SpaceX's New Starship Deployment Will See Starlink Satellites Launched Scheduled for Launch.

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Introduction

SpaceX has been making significant strides in advancing its Starship test flight program. The next rocket launch is set to demonstrate payload deployment for the first time. This milestone will be a critical step in the company’s ambitious plans to expand its satellite constellation, particularly with the Starlink service.

Payload Simulators

The payload for this upcoming flight consists of 10 Starlink ‘simulators.’ These model spacecraft are designed to be similar in size and weight to the next-generation satellites that SpaceX plans to deploy using Starship. The V3 operational version of these satellites will mark the first real payloads launched by Starship. This development is seen as a pivotal moment for SpaceX, as bringing Starship online could accelerate its ability to rapidly deploy the Starlink satellite constellation while reducing launch costs.

Operational Satellites

The current V2 Mini spacecraft are significantly lighter than the upcoming V3 satellites. Thanks to Starship’s impressive payload capacity, SpaceX aims to launch 60 V3 satellites per mission. This would add an staggering 60 terabits per second of capacity to the Starlink network. Per satellite, this represents more than 10 times the downlink capacity and 24 times the uplink capacity compared to the V2 Mini satellites.

Upcoming Launch

The seventh test launch is expected to occur later this month. In preparation for this mission, SpaceX has introduced a series of upgrades to its rocket, including improvements to its propulsion system, avionics, and heat shield. These enhancements are designed to boost reliability and performance. During this test flight, SpaceX will also attempt to "catch" the Super Heavy booster, an achievement that was first accomplished during the fifth test in October.

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Aria Alamalhodaei, a reporter for TechCrunch, covers space and defense for Aria Alamalhodaei. Previously, she covered public utilities and the power grid for California Energy Markets. Her work can also be found at MIT’s Undark Magazine, The Verge, and Discover Magazine. She holds an MA in art history from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London and is based in Austin, Texas.