SpaceX Starship Flight 13 Deploys Starlink V3 Satellites, Upper Stage Survives Reentry

SpaceX launched its thirteenth Starship test flight on July 24, 2026, from Starbase, Texas, successfully deploying 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites and demonstrating critical in-space propulsion capabilities. The mission used Booster 20 and Ship 40—the second iteration of the V3 configuration—marking continued refinement of the fully reusable launch system.

Payload Deployment Success

All 20 Starlink V3 satellites deployed as planned, with SpaceX engineers confirming communication via both RF and laser links. Telemetry downloaded from the satellites validated their post-deployment status, a key milestone for the next generation of SpaceX's broadband constellation. The V3 satellites represent a significant upgrade in capacity and capability over previous Starlink versions.

Upper Stage Performance

The Starship upper stage executed an in-space Raptor engine relight demonstration, proving a maneuver essential for future orbital operations, satellite deployments, and deep-space missions. Following payload separation, Ship 40 completed its suborbital trajectory and achieved a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Post-flight analysis confirmed the heatshield remained intact throughout reentry, providing valuable data on thermal protection system performance under operational conditions.

This outcome represents meaningful progress after a previous V3 test flight experienced engine outages and underperformance. Flight 13's successful upper-stage operations validate core hardware improvements and reentry procedures needed for operational missions.

Booster Landing Fails

The Super Heavy booster's return did not match the upper stage's success. After stage separation, Booster 20 initiated a partial landing burn before experiencing a hard splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX described the ignition as a "subset" of the 13 Raptor engines during the landing sequence, while other reports cite between five and eight engines firing. The discrepancy underscores the complexity of coordinating multiple engines during high-stress landing maneuvers.

What Comes Next

Despite the booster setback, Flight 13 achieved its primary objectives: validating V3 hardware, deploying next-generation Starlink satellites, and demonstrating in-space engine relight capability. The intact heatshield recovery and successful upper-stage splashdown prove critical systems needed for future lunar missions under NASA's Artemis program and eventual Mars operations.

SpaceX continues its rapid iterative testing approach at Starbase, with each flight generating data that informs subsequent vehicle improvements. The company has not yet announced a date for Flight 14.