SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, will attempt its 13th test flight of the Starship spacecraft on July 23 after a previous launch was halted just before takeoff.
According to Reuters on July 19, SpaceX plans to conduct the 13th Starship test flight as early as 5:45 PM Central Time on July 23.
This test flight will carry 20 satellites from SpaceX's Starlink internet service. The company aims to conduct satellite deployment tests in space, with the satellites expected to re-enter the atmosphere and disintegrate without reaching Earth orbit.
SpaceX attempted the 13th test flight on July 16 at its Starbase facility in Texas. However, the launch was aborted just before liftoff due to some engines of the Super Heavy rocket failing to ignite properly. The company has since replaced the engines and is checking the propulsion system ahead of the relaunch.
SpaceX's stock has experienced significant volatility since its debut on the Nasdaq on June 12. The initial public offering price was $135, and the stock surged to $225.64 within two trading days. However, it has since declined, closing at $123.99 on July 17, the day after the 13th test flight was aborted, falling below the IPO price.
If the launch proceeds as scheduled on July 23, it will mark the first Starship test flight since SpaceX went public. The company aims to deploy Starlink satellites into orbit using Starship by the end of this year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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