# SpaceX Prepares for Starship's 13th Test Flight Starship to carry real Starlink satellites for the first time. - **Source:** [Ars Technica - All content](https://brifing.si/source/b728770c-8dda-457a-8986-84879c9fc42c) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e25de03f-aff3-46e7-98e0-d7e8be49d9e3 ## Starship's New Test Flight SpaceX is gearing up for the 13th test flight of its Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy booster this week. The mission will resemble the last test in May but includes key differences. This flight marks the second test of the latest Starship version. ## Starlink Satellites Included for the First Time For this test flight, real Starlink V3 satellites have been installed in Starship's cargo bay. Previous tests used simulators. These satellites won't join SpaceX's operational network but will be used to test laser communication. ## Laser Communication to Be Tested Engineers will attempt to establish laser communication links between the Starlink V3 satellites and other spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. Success would validate the interoperability of the new satellites with SpaceX's previous generation. ## High-Tech Deployment System Starship's satellite deployment system uses a mechanism of pulleys and cables to eject satellites one by one through an opening on the spacecraft's side. This test will demonstrate the system's functionality under real conditions. ## Launch Window and Timing The test flight is scheduled for a launch window opening at 5:45 PM CDT on Thursday. The mission is expected to last about an hour, during which Starship's performance and satellite deployment will be closely monitored. ## A Significant Step in Space Technology This test flight is a crucial milestone for SpaceX's advancements in space technology. Successful testing of the Starlink V3 satellites could pave the way for future space communication and internet projects. ## Sources covering this story - https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/07/spacex-is-gearing-up-for-starships-13th-test-flight-later-this-week/ — --- _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._