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Published Jul 24, 2026Updated Jul 26 Major3
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SpaceX's Starship Completes 13th Test Flight, Achieves Softest Splashdown
SpaceX successfully completed Starship's 13th test flight on July 24, achieving the "softest splashdown" ever recorded when the upper stage landed gently in the Indian Ocean. The mission deployed 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites and demonstrated critical engine relight capability, though the Super Heavy booster experienced a rougher landing than planned.
Quick Facts
- 13th test flight of Starship megarocket
- Deployment of 20 Starlink V3 satellites
- Upper stage soft splashdown in Indian Ocean
- Super Heavy booster water landing in Gulf of Mexico
- Engine relight test of Ship upper stage
SpaceX successfully completed its 13th test flight of Starship on July 24, 2026, launching from Starbase in South Texas at 6:51 p.m. EDT. The flight lasted just over one hour and marked the second test of the Starship Version 3 design. During the mission, the upper stage deployed 20 next-generation Starlink V3 internet satellites equipped with laser communication links and expansive solar arrays, which were designed to burn up upon re-entry due to the suborbital flight path.
A significant achievement of Flight 13 was the upper stage's gentle landing in the Indian Ocean, described by SpaceX as the "softest splashdown" ever achieved with Starship. The vehicle floated belly-up on the sea while remaining intact and transmitting telemetry data. The upper stage successfully reignited one of its six Raptor engines during flight, demonstrating a critical capability needed for future orbital missions.
The Super Heavy booster, the rocket's first stage, separated and returned to Earth but experienced a rougher landing than intended in the Gulf of Mexico. During the landing burn, only five of the 13 required engines fired, causing the booster to impact the water with greater velocity than planned. This issue followed problems during the May Flight 12 test, when engine malfunctions prevented a controlled water landing.
SpaceX had made several adjustments to address past failures. Changes to the Super Heavy booster's engine ignition sequence and structural systems were implemented to improve reliability and stability. The upper stage also received propulsion system modifications. Additionally, this flight tested Starship's thermal shield protection system, critical for surviving atmospheric re-entry.
The test flight came after two previous launch attempts. On July 16, SpaceX aborted at the last second due to engine issues. SpaceX replaced some first-stage Raptor engines, but waved off a July 23 attempt due to adverse weather. The Federal Aviation Administration had temporarily suspended flights following the May incident but cleared operations after concluding its investigation.
Why This Matters
SpaceX's Starship test progression directly affects near-term orbital refueling capability timelines and Starlink constellation expansion. Demonstrated upper-stage engine relight and controlled splashdown indicate progress toward full orbital operations; however, recurring Super Heavy booster landing issues (5 of 13 engines misfired) signal unresolved reliability challenges that may impact launch cadence and FAA oversight conditions. Deployment of 20 V3 satellites with laser inter-satellite links advances SpaceX's next-generation internet network capabilities.
Timeline & Sources
May 1, 2026
WireFlight 12: Super Heavy booster crashed in Gulf of Mexico after engine failures during landing burn
Jul 16, 2026
WireFlight 13 launch attempt aborted at last second due to engine issues
Jul 25, 2026
WireStarship upper stage reignites Raptor engine for orbital capability test
Jul 25, 2026
WireStarship upper stage achieves soft splashdown in Indian Ocean, floats belly-up
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Sources
- Watch: SpaceX's successful test flight and splashdown for StarshipBBCMediaJul 25, 2026
- VÍDEO: SpaceX faz novo voo de teste da Starship, nave criada para futuras missões à Lua e MarteG1MediaJul 24, 2026
- SpaceX's Starship megarocket makes the 'softest splashdown' ever after launching next-gen Starlink satellites in Flight 13 test (video)SpaceMediaJul 25, 2026