SpaceX documents Starship rocket flight using next-generation satellite

US company SpaceX announced the success of one of its new-generation Starlink V3 satellites in capturing footage of the Starship vehicle during its thirteenth test flight. The company explained that six Starlink V3 satellites were equipped with cameras to obtain clear images of the vehicle’s thermal protection system, while one of these satellites captured footage of itself while flying in space, showing it operating three Raptor engines and performing trajectory adjustment maneuvers using attitude control thrusters, in a step aimed at evaluating the vehicle’s performance. SpaceX noted that the Starlink V3 satellites deployed by the vehicle during the flight returned to Earth approximately 20 minutes after separation. The company plans to deploy large numbers of these satellites in higher orbits as part of the future expansion of the Starlink network. It added that the Starship rocket will play a key role in deploying Starlink V3 satellites in the future, in addition to supporting upcoming space missions, leveraging its fully reusable design and its ability to carry large payloads.