SpaceX successfully launched its eleventh Starship test on Monday evening, achieving all planned mission objectives for the second consecutive time. The launch marked the final flight of the V2 Starship rocket, paving the way for the larger V3 Starship rocket on the twelfth test flight, followed by V4, which is expected to make the first trip to Mars.
The launch was a resounding success, with all 33 engines igniting at 6:23 p.m. local time in Starbase, Texas, sending the Ship to space. The mission achieved several key milestones, including the second successful deployment of Starlink satellite simulators and the relight of a Raptor engine while in space, demonstrating a crucial capability for future deorbit burns.
The launch sequence was executed flawlessly, with stage separation occurring eight minutes after liftoff, followed by the successful descent and splashdown of Super Heavy in the Gulf of America. Approximately 21 minutes after launch, the Pez dispenser deployed the Starlink simulators into space without any issues.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the launch was Starship’s banking maneuver and subsequent splashdown in the Indian Ocean. After experiencing losses during this phase in previous flights, SpaceX made significant improvements, achieving a successful re-entry and splashdown on Monday. The re-entry phase was designed to test the heatshield’s performance, with the company intentionally pushing it to its limits to gather valuable data.
With two consecutive successful launches under its belt, SpaceX is now gearing up for the next phase of its Starship program. The company is expected to focus on the V3 Starship rocket, which is larger and more capable than its predecessors. CEO Elon Musk has announced that the third-generation Starship rocket will be built and tested by the end of the year, featuring Raptor 3 engines and massive grid fins. The V3 Starship is expected to play a critical role in helping SpaceX gather more information about its launches into space and paving the way for the first trip to Mars.
