SpaceX successfully launched Starship Flight 13 on July 25, 2026, marking the vehicle's 13th test flight and the second flight of the upgraded Starship V3. The mission deployed 20 V3 Starlink satellites to orbit for the first time, representing a significant step toward operational cargo capabilities. These next-generation satellites feature extended solar arrays and antennas, with plans to connect to ground stations in South Africa and integrate with the broader Starlink constellation using high-capacity laser links. Six of the satellites were equipped with specialized camera systems to photograph Starship's heat shield during reentry and transmit imagery to ground operators.

The two-stage Starship vehicle launched from SpaceX Starbase in Starbase, Texas. Several heat shield tiles were painted white to serve as imaging targets for the satellite cameras, allowing engineers to validate new methods for assessing heat shield integrity ahead of future return-to-launch-site landing attempts.

The successful launch achieved critical test objectives including ascent, stage separation, boostback burn, and landing burn. Hardware and software modifications implemented following previous flight data addressed identified issues, advancing SpaceX's development of the fully reusable super-heavy-lift launch system.