As SpaceX prepares for a possible Jan. 10 launch of its Starship rocket, Elon Musk's company says it's made special improvements in time for the seventh flight test out of South Texas. "The upcoming flight test will launch a new generation ship with significant upgrades,

Elon Musk's SpaceX said on Friday its upcoming Starship test flight would include the rocket's first attempt to deploy payloads in space by releasing 10 model Starlink satellites, a key demonstration for Starship's potential in the satellite launch market.

SpaceX is significantly upping the ante of its Starship test flight program, with the next rocket launch expected to demonstrate payload deployment for

SpaceX is about to take its Starship test flight program to the next level by showcasing payload deployment for the first time. The next rocket launch will be carrying 10 Starlink "simulators," which are designed to mimic the size and weight of SpaceX's satellites.

During its next test, currently scheduled for Jan. 10, the Starship vehicle will carry a payload meant to replicate 10 next-generation Starlink satellites.