Key facts
- SpaceX launched its Starship rocket carrying 20 advanced Starlink satellites on a test flight.
- The Super Heavy booster failed during a simulated landing in the Gulf of Mexico.
- This was the second failure of the V3 Starship's Super Heavy booster.
- The Starship upper stage successfully deployed the new Starlink satellites.
- SpaceX's stock declined in after-hours trading following the booster failure.
SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket on its 13th test flight, deploying 20 advanced Starlink satellites. However, the Super Heavy booster experienced another failure during a simulated landing in the Gulf of Mexico, exploding upon impact. This marks the second V3 booster failure for the company, following an incident in May. The launch attempt itself was delayed due to engine issues, requiring SpaceX to replace six engines on the booster. Despite the booster's failure, the Starship upper stage performed well, successfully deploying the new Starlink satellites, which are expected to burn up in the atmosphere. The company's stock saw a 2% decline in after-hours trading following the booster issue. This flight was particularly notable as it was the first since SpaceX's IPO in June.