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 the first time. The payload in question will be 10 Starlink “simulators” that will be similar in size and weight to the next-gen satellites SpaceX plans to use Starship to deploy in

The transaction was part of Musk’s year-end tax planning. The recipients “have no current intention to sell” the shares, the Securities and Exchange Commission filing said.

SpaceX is among the most notable and renowned private companies in the world. Indeed, most Americans have heard of the Elon Musk-led company, which has secured a number of very lucrative government contracts over the years in part due to the company's ability to successfully launch (and land) rockets in a reliable way.