Successful Launch and Initial Ascent

SpaceX successfully launched the upgraded Starship V3 spacecraft following a brief delay earlier in the week. A technical complication involving a hydraulic pin on the tower arm forced a postponement on Thursday, but the vehicle lifted off successfully from Starbase, Texas, on Friday evening at 6:30 PM ET. The massive Super Heavy booster ignited all 33 of its new Raptor 3 engines to initiate the flight.


Booster Performance and Recovery

During the ascent, the rocket experienced a minor setback when one of the booster's engines deactivated. Despite this, the vehicle maintained its flight path until stage separation. The company utilized this mission to test a critical directional flip maneuver for future operations. However, the booster faced difficulties during the boostback sequence:

  • It failed to ignite all required engines for a full return to the launch site.
  • Only a partial boostback burn was achieved.
  • The booster subsequently descended and impacted the Gulf of Mexico.

It is important to note that this specific booster was not intended for recovery, as SpaceX had previously successfully tested catching boosters with mechanical tower arms.


Space Operations and Deployment

The upper-stage Starship continued its mission as planned, even after losing one of its six Raptor 3 engines. Approximately 30 minutes post-launch, the craft successfully deployed a payload consisting of 20 Starlink simulators and two specialized Starlink satellites. These satellites were tasked with capturing imagery of the spacecraft while in orbit.


Atmospheric Re-entry and Mission Outcome

As the ship re-entered the atmosphere, it collected vital data regarding heat shield durability. It also executed specific maneuvers designed to stress-test the rear flaps and simulate return trajectories for future missions. Following a controlled landing flip and ignition of two Raptor engines, the craft splashed down in the Indian Ocean before ultimately exploding.


“Congratulations to the entire SpaceX team on an epic first Starship V3 launch and landing,” stated CEO Elon Musk, adding that the team “scored a goal for humanity.”

Despite the engine-related issues, the mission is being categorized as a significant success. This milestone arrives at a pivotal time for the organization, as SpaceX has officially filed its IPO paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with trading anticipated to commence on June 12.