Part 6/12:
The deployment process was smooth and precise, with real-time data confirming proper release mechanisms. These tests are vital for scaling satellite capacity and increasing the efficiency of global broadband coverage, as each Starlink launch now adds up to 60 terabits per second of data capacity—about 20 times more than a Falcon 9 launch.
Controlled Deorbit and Re-entry
Following deployment, Starship closed its payload bay and initiated its return phase. Several critical tests took place, including a relight of the Raptor engine in space—demonstrating an essential step for orbital operations and re-entry capabilities. This relight was performed successfully for the third time in a row, confirming the engine's reliability in space.