Overview

• SpaceX reported that Starship’s heat-shield upgrades held up, with tiles largely remaining attached and the orange discoloration attributed to oxidized metallic test tiles.
• The upper stage successfully reignited a Raptor engine in space and deployed eight Starlink simulators, meeting core test objectives.
• Elon Musk said the upper stage splashed down about 3 meters from its target, with both stages completing controlled ocean splashdowns.
• Falcon 9 operations hit new reuse milestones with the 400th drone‑ship landing and booster B1067 completing its 30th flight and landing.
• Musk outlined the roadmap with V3 production and testing targeted by the end of 2025 and a larger V4 aimed for 2027, with a Starship catch attempt planned around flights 13–15 depending on V3 results.