SpaceX launches V3 Starlink satellites, booster fails during landing
8 reported2 unconfirmed
SpaceX successfully deployed the first third-generation Starlink satellites on Friday using an upgraded version of its prototype Starship during the 13th test flight of the mega-rocket. However, the company suffered another failure with its Super Heavy booster during a planned simulated landing in the Gulf of Mexico. The booster exploded after a faster-than-expected impact with the water. This was the first Starship launch since SpaceX went public in June in the largest IPO in history. The new Starlink satellites burned up in the atmosphere roughly 20 minutes after deployment, as Starship is still not capable of reaching Earth orbit. SpaceX was able to communicate with all of them while they were in space.
What’s reported
SpaceX deployed the first third-generation (V3) Starlink satellites on Friday using an upgraded Starship prototype.
The Super Heavy booster failed during a simulated landing in the Gulf of Mexico and exploded after a faster-than-expected impact with the water.
This was the second time SpaceX had an issue with the Super Heavy booster on the V3 version of Starship; the first occurred in May during booster separation.
The launch came after a previous attempt aborted due to rocket engine failures; SpaceX replaced six engines ahead of Friday’s flight.
The upper stage of Starship successfully deployed the Starlink satellites, survived atmospheric reentry, and performed a simulated landing in the Indian Ocean without exploding.
The new Starlink satellites burned up in the atmosphere about 20 minutes after deployment, but SpaceX communicated with all of them while in space.
SpaceX went public in June in the largest IPO in history; its stock dropped from a peak of over $200 per share to $115 at Friday’s close, falling another 2% in after-hours trading before paring losses.
SpaceX has said launching 60 V3 Starlink satellites on Starship is a “potential twenty-fold increase” in downlink capacity versus a single Falcon 9.
Open questions
Whether SpaceX can realize the economic gains of V3 Starlink satellites if the Super Heavy booster is expended rather than reused.
When Starship will be capable of reaching Earth orbit.
Sources: TechCrunch
