Brownsville: SpaceX's Starship V3 has successfully completed its test. SpaceX launched its Starship in its 12th unmanned test flight from Texas on Friday, testing a major upgrade to its next-generation spacecraft system, at a time when Elon Musk's rocket company is preparing for its historic public offering.
According to Thai News Agency, during its flight, the Starship's cargo compartment released 20 simulated Starlink satellites, along with two real satellites along its flight path, to test the spacecraft's heat shields and send data back to ground during landing. After accurately landing on the surface of the Indian Ocean, the Starship exploded.
The launch of Starship V3, designed to increase the frequency of Starlink satellite launches and support future NASA lunar missions, marks a significant achievement after months of testing delays. SpaceX has invested over 514 billion baht in developing this reusable spacecraft. This vehicle is a key component of Mr. Musk's plan to reduce launch costs, expand the Starlink business, and develop an in-orbit data center. All of this is included in the target valuation of his initial public offering (IPO), which is set at approximately 60 trillion baht.
This test aimed to prove that Starship, the world's largest and most powerful rocket, is nearing commercial readiness. The towering rocket, consisting of the Starship upper module and Super Heavy boosters, launched from SpaceX's Gulf Coast base near Brownsville. This marked the first flight of the new V3 model, powered by the latest Raptor III engines, and was launched from a new launch pad specifically built to accommodate the more powerful rocket.
This 12th test flight is being closely watched by investors just three weeks before its IPO, which could be SpaceX's first public offering to surpass 34 trillion baht and instantly propel it to one of the world's most valuable public companies.