ICYMI: SpaceX successfully completes 10th Starship test mission.

The booster separated from the rocket about three minutes after launch, performed a controlled flip after stage separation and then initiated a boostback burn, all while using three engine configurations. The test mission undertook multiple landing burn tests, tested the booster’s payload deployment and conducted several re-entry experiments aimed at returning the rocket’s upper stage to the launch site to be caught. . . .

After deploying the satellite simulators, SpaceX relit a single Raptor engine while in orbit before re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere.

The test affirms the engine’s ability to be used during orbital missions to break out of orbit and return to Earth, according to SpaceX.

The engine successfully relit about 38 minutes into the test launch, and the Starship began re-entry two minutes later.

The re-entry tested the Starship’s newly designed heat shields before it splashed down in the Indian Ocean after slowing from about five times the speed of sound during re-entry as part of a stress test to assess its limitations.

Iterative learning. It’s a thing.