SpaceX launched the seventh test flight of its Starship rocket, aiming to develop the massive vehicle further, including testing its satellite deployment capabilities. While the rocket's booster landed successfully, SpaceX lost communication with Starship shortly after launch. The company was planning to deploy 10 Starlink simulators, mimicking the weight and trajectory of actual satellites, to assess Starship's capabilities for future Starlink deployments.
SpaceX launched the seventh test flight of its Starship rocket on Thursday, as Elon Musks's company looks to push development of the mammoth vehicle further, including with a crucial test for how it will deploy satellites. The company launched Starship from its private “Starbase” facility near Brownsville, Texas, shortly after 5:30 p.m. ET. A few minutes later, the rocket’s “Super Heavy” booster returned to land at the launch site, in SpaceX’s second successful “catch” during a flight.
As with each previous flight, SpaceX aims to push development further by assessing additional Starship capabilities, including tests of its heatshield tiles and the trajectory of its intense reentry. Starship is critical to the company’s plans, even with its $350 billion valuation and already dominant position in the space industry. Starship is both the tallest and most powerful rocket ever launched.
Spacex Starship Rocket Launch Satellite Deployment Starlink
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