SpaceX Gets Green Light for Next Starship Test Carrying 20 Real Satellites

The US Federal Aviation Administration has closed its investigation into the previous Starship booster failure, clearing SpaceX for a 13th test flight from Texas.

• The FAA closed its investigation into the failure of the Super Heavy booster, which crashed into the Gulf of Mexico after five of its 33 Raptor engines failed to re-ignite during landing.
• SpaceX implemented four corrective actions on the booster and made hardware and operational adjustments to address the engine anomaly and heat damage.
• The upcoming flight will carry 20 operational Starlink V3 satellites for the first time, replacing earlier test models, with some carrying sensors to monitor the vehicle's heat shield.
• SpaceX aims to begin regular launches of this satellite generation by the end of 2026, having spent over $15 billion on the Starship program.