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

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

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