SpaceX is preparing for its next Starship test, which includes deploying ten Starlink simulators from the spacecraft. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given the company permission to proceed with the operation.
The Starship will feature updated avionics, a 25% increase in propellant volume, and new thermal protection tiles. The forward flaps have been moved to reduce exposure to heating during reentry and simplify the system. The goal is to improve performance and enable longer missions.
During the test, Starship will carry a payload of ten simulators similar in size and weight to next-generation Starlink satellites. These will be deployed on the same suborbital trajectory as the spacecraft, which will splash down in the Indian Ocean.
SpaceX aims to bring reusable systems online and fly more ambitious missions this year. The company is focused on iterating towards sending humans and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars.
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Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/06/spacex_starship_test