# SpaceX's Starship test flight achieves key milestones The 13th test flight of Starship collected crucial data on heat shield and reusability. - **Source:** [www.theregister.com - Articles](https://brifing.si/source/2c34ea50-d341-4a10-925d-12c012a9ad10) - **Published:** 2026-07-27 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/19346df6-dc21-4f35-9873-1133113b73bb ## Successful launch SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully completed its 13th test flight from Texas on Friday evening. The launch occurred after delays and engine replacements. Starship made a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean, gathering critical data. ## Heat shield test The flight collected important data on Starship's heat shield performance, which is crucial for improving reusability. Future landing maneuvers were also successfully simulated during the mission. ## Super Heavy landing attempt The Super Heavy booster attempted to relight its engines for landing after launching Starship into space. Although the landing wasn't perfect, the attempt provided valuable insights for future missions. ## Starlink satellites During the flight, Starship deployed 20 Starlink V3 satellites into orbit. These satellites observed Starship's heat shield but were not intended to remain in orbit, re-entering the atmosphere as planned. ## Raptor engine test Starship fired one of its Raptor engines during re-entry, completing another critical test. This technology will be essential for future Moon missions, as envisioned by NASA's Artemis program. ## Future goals Elon Musk aims for the next test flight to feature the Super Heavy booster being caught by robotic arms at Starbase. This step will significantly improve reusability and reduce turnaround times between missions. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theregister.com/science/2026/07/27/spacex-just-about-nails-starship-test-flight-13/5278725 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._