SpaceX Starship Megarocket Achieves Key Milestones in "Lucky 13" Test Flight

SpaceX's Starship megarocket has completed its 13th test flight, designated Flight 13, achieving several critical objectives on July 24, 2026. This launch marked the second flight for the Starship Version 3 (V3) prototype, which is an upgraded configuration designed for future lunar missions under NASA's Artemis program. The colossal rocket successfully lifted off from Starbase in South Texas, with all 33 Raptor engines of its Super Heavy booster igniting as planned.

During the flight, the Super Heavy booster executed a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, though it was described as a "hard" landing due to fewer engines restarting than anticipated. The Starship upper stage, known as Ship, continued its trajectory and successfully deployed 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, a first for this advanced satellite version. The Ship also performed a critical in-space engine relight for maneuvering purposes.

The mission concluded with the Starship upper stage performing what SpaceX termed its "softest splashdown" to date in the Indian Ocean, remaining intact upon impact. This successful test flight demonstrates significant progress for the Starship program, addressing some of the issues encountered during the previous V3 flight in May.