SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
Summary
SpaceX successfully launched its 13th Super Heavy-Starship rocket from Texas, with the booster landing hard in the Gulf of Texas while the Starship upper stage completed a sub-orbital flight over the Indian Ocean. The Starship deployed 20 Starlink satellites and demonstrated key engine and re-entry maneuvers for future space missions.Key Facts
- The rocket is 397 feet tall and uses 33 methane-fueled Raptor engines on its booster stage.
- The launch took place at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas on July 24, 2026.
- Previous launch attempts were delayed due to engine issues and weather conditions.
- The booster landed harder than expected in the Gulf of Texas but performed well during ascent and descent.
- The Starship upper stage continued to space, deploying 20 Starlink satellites using a new payload dispenser.
- Six satellites had cameras to inspect the heat shield and spacecraft condition during flight.
- Starship briefly restarted one of its engines in space, a capability needed for future moon missions.
- The Starship safely splashed down in the Indian Ocean, remaining intact with working cameras.
- NASA plans to use a version of Starship as a lunar lander for the Artemis moon program.
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