SpaceX Achieves Milestone with Successful Launch of Upgraded Starship
SpaceX successfully launches 12th test flight of upgraded Starship

Image: Asianet Newsable
SpaceX successfully conducted the twelfth test flight of its upgraded Starship and Super Heavy Version 3 on Friday from Starbase, Texas. This mission marked the debut of the new Raptor 3 engines and included the deployment of 20 Starlink simulators, showcasing significant advancements in rocket technology.
- 01The launch took place at 5:30 pm CT from SpaceX's new Pad 2 facility in Texas.
- 02The Super Heavy booster experienced one engine shutdown but completed a hot-staging maneuver.
- 03Starship successfully deployed 20 Starlink simulators and two modified satellites during the flight.
- 04The mission gathered critical data on heatshield performance and structural integrity during re-entry.
- 05Elon Musk envisions Starship as key for future lunar and Mars missions.
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On Friday evening, SpaceX successfully launched its twelfth test flight of the upgraded Starship and Super Heavy Version 3 from Starbase, Texas. This mission, which took off at 5:30 pm CT, was notable for being the first flight of the new Raptor 3 engines and the first launch from the new Pad 2 facility. During the ascent, the Super Heavy booster ignited all 33 Raptor 3 engines, although one engine shut down mid-flight. Despite this, the booster completed its ascent and executed a hot-staging maneuver, allowing the Starship upper stage to continue its mission. The upper stage deployed 20 Starlink simulators and two modified satellites, marking a first for Starship test flights. After a successful re-entry, the spacecraft gathered vital data on its heatshield and structural integrity before splashing down in the Indian Ocean. This flight is a significant step toward the spacecraft's role in NASA's Artemis lunar exploration program and future missions to Mars, as envisioned by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
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The successful launch demonstrates advancements in rocket technology, which could enhance SpaceX's capabilities for future missions.
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