SpaceX Starship V3 Flight 12: Full launch, successful landing & planned explosion

SpaceX has released an extended video of Starship Flight 12, offering a complete look at the V3 vehicle's landmark test flight. The footage comes just days before Starship Flight 13, the next test launch could take place as early as Wednesday, July 15. Flight 12 marked the debut of Starship and Super Heavy V3, the new Raptor 3 engines, and the first launch from Pad 2. Despite losing one engine each on the booster and upper stage, Starship completed its mission, deployed 20 Starlink simulators and two modified Starlink satellites, and performed a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The explosion seen after landing was planned as part of post-flight testing and was not an accident. The mission provided valuable data that will help prepare Starship for future flights.