SpaceX Starship 10th Test Flight: First Payload Deployment and Key Test Results
SpaceX’s Starship completed its 10th test flight, achieving the program’s first successful payload deployment from the vehicle. The mission launched from Starbase, Texas and carried eight dummy Starlink satellites, which were released in flight as part of a key demonstration.
What happened
- Deployment: Around 20 minutes after launch the upper stage (Ship) ejected eight dummy Starlink satellites — the first payload release by Starship.
- Engine relight: Ship successfully re-lit an engine in flight as part of a planned test.
- Booster tests: The Super Heavy booster performed experimental maneuvers on descent. SpaceX did not attempt a tower catch; the booster made a controlled descent and impacted the ocean.
- Splashdowns: Ship later re-entered and splashed down in the Indian Ocean a bit over an hour after launch.
Why it matters
This flight demonstrated several mission-critical capabilities for future orbital and reusable operations: payload deployment from Starship, in‑flight engine relight, and controlled descent experiments for the booster. Retrieving and reusing Starship’s upper stage remains a major next challenge.
Notable quotes
“Congratulations to all of our teammates here at SpaceX — it’s been a year,” said Dan Huot during the livestream, marking progress after a period of setbacks.
Sources & further reading
- Space.com coverage: Space.com — Starship Flight 10 coverage
- Teslarati summary: Teslarati — Flight 10 summary
- LA Times report: LA Times — first payload deployment
- SpaceX launch livestream/video: YouTube — SpaceX livestream
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