SpaceX launches Starship rocket in first test flight since IPO

SpaceX launched its massive Starship rocket Friday evening from its facility in Starbase, Texas, for its 13th test flight and the first since the company's significant Initial Public Offering (IPO) last month.

The rocket's Super Heavy booster separated from the Starship spacecraft approximately two minutes into the flight and performed a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. The company aims for the Starship spacecraft, the upper stage, to achieve a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

Developed by Elon Musk's aerospace venture, Starship is the largest rocket ever built. It is designed for full reusability, intending to transport more cargo into orbit at a lower cost. Starship is considered crucial for SpaceX's ambition to substantially expand its Starlink satellite internet service.

About 18 minutes into the flight, SpaceX deployed 20 of its new Starlink V3 satellites into orbit, allowing the company to assess their performance during flight. All 20 satellites were successfully deployed and were expected to burn up and de-orbit within approximately 20 minutes.

Beyond satellite deployment, SpaceX intends to use Starship for missions to return U.S. astronauts to the moon and for future manned missions to Mars. The company is preparing Starship for a significant NASA test flight scheduled for next year.