# Starship's New Launch Attempt and India's First Private Rocket New developments in the space race: Starship and Vikram-1. - **Source:** [Ars Technica - All content](https://brifing.si/source/b728770c-8dda-457a-8986-84879c9fc42c) - **Published:** 2026-07-24 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/96bbd9d7-bcf9-49d2-8d85-cdd4202daa3a ## Starship's New Launch Attempt SpaceX has completed preparations for the 13th test flight of Starship. After a last-minute abort on July 16, the rocket was rolled back to the hangar for engine replacement and is now back on the launch pad. ## Launch Date and Goals Starship's launch is scheduled for Friday evening. A successful launch and reentry will bring SpaceX one step closer to an orbital flight later this year. ## India's First Private Rocket Vikram-1 Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket successfully reached orbit as India's first fully commercial satellite launcher. The launch took place from a spaceport in the Bay of Bengal. ## Launch Process and Challenges The launch of Vikram-1 was delayed by more than half an hour due to a last-minute technical issue. Once resolved, the rocket was successfully launched. ## A New Step in the Space Race Both SpaceX's Starship and Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 are seen as significant milestones in space exploration and commercial spaceflight. ## Future Launches Both companies continue preparations for future launches. These developments increase competition in the space industry while offering new opportunities. ## Sources covering this story - https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/07/rocket-report-lightning-strikes-in-china-starship-launch-on-deck/ — --- _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._