'LUCKY NUMBER 13' SPACEX'S STARSHIP ENDS TEST FLIGHT WITH INTACT SPLASHDOWN - FLORIDA TODAY

SpaceX's Starship successfully completed its 13th test flight, launching on Friday and reaching orbit before executing an intact splashdown offshore of Florida, according to Florida Today and Space.com.

The megarocket carried a payload of next‑generation Starlink satellites aboard its upper stage and delivered them to orbit before returning to Earth. Space.com described the landing as the “softest splashdown ever,” noting that the vehicle performed a gentle sea‑based touchdown after a 4‑minute, 15‑second flight. No debris or damage was reported on scene and the Starship’s heat‑shield integrity was confirmed during post‑flight inspections.

These flights are part of SpaceX’s program to validate reusable spacecraft that could carry humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars and beyond. Successful landings bring the company a step closer to its broader ambitions of deep‑space exploration.

• Starship Flight 13 launched Friday, reaching orbit before a sea‑based splashdown in the Atlantic.
• The vehicle carried and deployed next‑gen Starlink satellites during the flight.
• Space.com called the landing the softest splashdown ever; Florida Today confirmed the vehicle was intact.
• The mission demonstrated continued progress toward reusable heavy‑lift launch systems.
• Post‑flight inspections revealed no damage to the heat shield or structural components.

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