business
SpaceX launches 13th Starship test, briefly deploys first upgraded Starlinks
Summary by The Waco Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Joey Roulette Reuters , Waco Tribune-Herald
· July 25, 2026
· 1 min read
Photo: Waco Tribune-Herald · view original
WASHINGTON — SpaceX's Starship rocket lifted off from Texas and briefly put its first 20 upgraded Starlink internet satellites into suborbital space Friday, the company's 13th test mission as it aims to begin routine service by the end of the…
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Summary created by The Waco Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Joey Roulette Reuters, Waco Tribune-Herald Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 25, 2026 Indexed here Jul 25, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Why this matters in The Waco
The successful launch of SpaceX's Starship rocket from Texas marks a significant milestone for the company and the state's growing space industry. As a major player in the private space sector, SpaceX's presence in Texas is likely to have a positive impact on the local economy, particularly in terms of job creation and investment. The launch of upgraded Starlink internet satellites also highlights the potential for improved connectivity in rural areas of McLennan County, where access to high-speed internet can be limited. As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space technology, Waco residents can expect to see more activity in the area, potentially leading to new opportunities for local businesses and residents. The city's proximity to SpaceX's launch site also raises questions about the potential for future collaborations between the company and local institutions, such as schools and universities, to develop STEM education programs and workforce training initiatives.
About this story
Original reporting by Waco Tribune-Herald . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: business ·
Published: July 25, 2026 ·
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald ·
Reading time: 1 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WASHINGTON — SpaceX's Starship rocket lifted off from Texas and briefly put its first 20 upgraded Starlink internet satellites into suborbital space Friday, the company's 13th test mission as it aims to begin routine service by the end of the…
When was this published? This article was first published on July 25, 2026 by Waco Tribune-Herald and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joey Roulette Reuters at Waco Tribune-Herald. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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