SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship Achieves Mostly-Successful Test Flight Despite Engine Glitches

SpaceX launched its 13th Super Heavy-Starship from Starbase, Texas, with 33 methane-fueled Raptors; the booster performed a tail-first descent but splashed down hard after only partial engine restart, while the Starship upper stage completed a successful suborbital hop, deployed 20 Starlink satellites (six with cameras to inspect heat tiles), and briefly re-ignited in space. NASA sees potential for a lunar-landing variant, but GAO warns of major technical and schedule risks, and Blue Origin is also pursuing Artemis landers.