Tech Desk 
Jan 04, 2025
SpaceX is preparing for a major milestone in its Starship test flight programme. With the next rocket launch, Elon Musk’s aerospace company is set to demonstrate payload deployment capabilities for the first time.
According to SpaceX, the upcoming mission will carry 10 Starlink satellite simulators. These simulators are designed to match the size and weight of the next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, which Starship will eventually deploy in space.
The mock satellites will follow the same trajectory as the upper stage of the rocket, ultimately splashing down in the Indian Ocean.
The operational V3 satellites are expected to be Starship's first real payload, marking a critical step in SpaceX's plans to rapidly expand its Starlink constellation while significantly reducing launch costs.
Currently, SpaceX relies on its Falcon 9 rocket to launch Starlink satellites. However, the newer V3 satellites are anticipated to be substantially heavier than the V2 Mini variants. Each V3 satellite will provide over 10 times the downlink capacity and 24 times the uplink capacity compared to the V2 Mini satellites.
SpaceX has also announced a series of upgrades to Starship, including enhancements to the propulsion system, avionics, and heat shield.
In addition, SpaceX will attempt to "catch" the Super Heavy booster, a manoeuvre successfully executed for the first time during the fifth test flight in October.
