SpaceX launches Starship rocket for 13th test flight, deploys new satellites

Elon Musk's SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket for its 13th uncremand test flight from Starbase in Texas. The Starship, considered the most powerful rocket ever built, stands approximately 122 meters tall, comprising the Starship spacecraft stacked atop a Super Heavy booster.

During the roughly one-hour test flight, SpaceX planned to evaluate a range of the rocket's functionalities. A key objective was the deployment of around 20 new Starlink satellites into orbit. This mission marks SpaceX's first test flight since its initial public offering in June.

Approximately ten minutes into the flight, as Starship reached a speed of about 26,400 kilometers per hour, the Super Heavy booster began its return trajectory. According to SpaceX, the booster impacted the Gulf of Mexico with greater force than anticipated. The test flight was initially scheduled for the previous week but was postponed due to issues with several of the rocket's engines failing to ignite.