SpaceX launches new Starlink satellites, booster fails during simulated landing

SpaceX successfully deployed the first third-generation Starlink satellites on Friday using an upgraded version of its Starship prototype rocket. This was the company's 13th Starship test flight to date.

However, the company experienced another failure with its Super Heavy booster during a planned simulated landing in the Gulf of Mexico. This marks the second time the V3 version of Starship has encountered issues with its booster.

The launch occurred just over a week after a previous attempt on July 16 had to be aborted immediately after ignition due to multiple rocket engine failures. SpaceX stated that six engines were replaced prior to Friday's flight to address the problem.

During Friday's flight, the booster progressed further into its planned trajectory but failed to ignite the necessary engines for its simulated landing burn. The booster exploded upon impact with the water, which was faster than anticipated.

The Starship upper stage, however, performed better than in the previous V3 flight in May, where an engine was lost. No issues were reported with the upper stage during Friday's mission as it deployed the new Starlink satellites.