On Tuesday evening, August 26th, SpaceX successfully completed the 10th test flight of the “Starship” rocket, marking the first time it successfully deployed 8 simulated satellites into orbit and completed a vertical splashdown after testing its heat shield system and re-entry procedure.
This development signifies a crucial step forward for the Starship after experiencing multiple failures, laying the foundation for NASA’s lunar missions.
The giant rocket, reaching up to 123 meters in height, launched from the “Starbase” in southern Texas. Three minutes later, its massive “super heavy” booster pushed the Starship upper stage into space as planned, with the booster completing a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.
Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the Starship’s “Pez” style deployment system released 8 “Starlink” simulated satellites, marking the rocket’s first deployment test payload. The Starship continued to orbit the Earth, reigniting an engine in orbit to collect data on the heat shield tiles and structure during high-temperature re-entry, crucial for future crewed missions or transporting large cargo.
During its return to Earth, the Starship completed the flip and deceleration before landing vertically in the Indian Ocean. Although the spacecraft overturned and caught fire after landing, the splashdown itself was successful, achieving the main testing objectives.
NASA has signed a $2.9 billion contract with SpaceX planning for the Starship to execute the “Artemis III” mission in 2027, sending astronauts to the surface of the Moon, ahead of China in the “Moon race.”
US lawmakers and NASA officials have expressed concerns that China may beat the US in achieving crewed lunar missions and begin advocating for control over lunar resources, potentially obstructing the US from establishing a permanent outpost.
NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy praised the successful test flight, stating, “The tenth successful flight paves the way for the Starship lunar landing system.”
However, space analysts generally believe that the lunar mission schedule may be delayed.
Despite achieving multiple goals in this test flight, the Starship still needs to undergo key tests such as in-orbit refueling and safe lunar surface landing before it can truly undertake deep space missions.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has expressed the desire to conduct another test flight within the next three to four weeks to accelerate the development through an intensive test flight rhythm. Given that the 10th mission proceeded largely as planned, federal regulatory agencies are unlikely to require a formal investigation or demand formal documentation from SpaceX to prove that the Starship’s issues have been resolved, aiding SpaceX in swiftly commencing the next round of tests.
The progress of the Starship is crucial for SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network project. Musk aims to launch larger batches of larger satellites through this giant rocket, replacing the current method reliant on the Falcon 9.
Musk also envisions the Starship as a core tool for transporting humans to Mars.
The next suitable window for a Mars mission will be at the end of 2026, potentially halving the flight time. SpaceX hopes to launch up to five unmanned Starships to deliver cargo to Mars during that period.