SpaceX Starship completes 12th test flight, deploys mock satellites despite single-engine loss
SpaceX's Starship V3 prototype launched today and completed its 12th test flight, releasing mock satellites during a suborbital journey before executing a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The spacecraft operated with only one engine offline during the final descent and landing sequence. The mission marks another milestone in the company's development of the megarocket system.
Verified
- ✓SpaceX Starship V3 launched today. (CNN, 54 mainstream media articles)
- ✓The 12th test flight of Starship completed. (CNN, 54 mainstream media articles)
- ✓Mock satellites were deployed during the flight. (CNN, 54 mainstream media articles)
- ✓Spacecraft completed controlled splashdown in Indian Ocean. (CNN, 54 mainstream media articles)
- ✓Vehicle operated without one engine during final descent. (CNN, 54 mainstream media articles)
Interpretation
- ~The mission represents successful completion despite technical loss. (CNN reporting)
▸▾Why this is here
- Source
- @cnn
- Source type
- Commercial Newsroom (Tier 6)
- Content type
- Reported
- Confidence
- Reported
- Coverage
- 1 of 15 major US outlets
- Published
- May 23, 2026 at 10:17 AM PDT
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