SpaceX launches massive Starship rocket in first test flight since IPO
CNBC · 2026-07-25
SpaceX successfully conducted the 13th test flight of its Starship rocket on Friday, July 24, 2026, following previous weather and technical delays, a launch closely monitored by investors given its importance to the company following its IPO. Approximately two minutes into the flight, the Super Heavy booster detached and executed a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. This test flight, the second for the Starship V3, also saw the deployment of 20 new, larger Starlink V3 satellites into orbit about 18 minutes post-launch, which were successfully deployed and designed to deorbit within 20 minutes. These Redmond, Washington-produced satellites feature more power and solar arrays generating twice the energy of prior generations. Beyond expanding Starlink, SpaceX aims to use Starship for lunar missions for U.S. astronauts and future manned missions to Mars, alongside developing Starmind satellites for orbital data centers.
*The full article also explores the investor perspective on SpaceX's performance relative to its IPO price.*