Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Class A Common StockSuccessful deployment of 20 upgraded V3 Starlink satellites on Starship's 13th test flight, demonstrating progress in satellite technology and Starship's capability.

US space company SpaceX conducted the 13th test flight of its massive Starship spacecraft on the 24th, deploying 20 upgraded satellites for its Starlink satellite internet service into space. The deployed satellites are V3 models with significantly increased bandwidth and communication speeds. They temporarily connected to the existing network of roughly 10,000 satellites in orbit before re-entering the atmosphere and burning up. Starship completed its roughly one-hour mission with a splashdown in the Indian Ocean, sustaining only minimal damage to its heat shield. Meanwhile, the first-stage Super Heavy booster failed to reignite five of its engines and fell into the Gulf of Mexico with a harder-than-expected impact. SpaceX plans to use Starship to expand the Starlink network with V3 satellites by the end of 2026, adding capacity for mobile phones to connect directly to satellites even outside cellular coverage areas.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Class A Common StockSuccessful deployment of 20 upgraded V3 Starlink satellites on Starship's 13th test flight, demonstrating progress in satellite technology and Starship's capability.