SpaceX launches Starship rocket as it aims to orbit around Earth for first time
- On Monday, September 28, 2026, SpaceX's Starship reached Earth orbit for the first time during its 14th full-scale test flight from Starbase, Texas, surviving an early engine shutdown during ascent.
- Previous Starship tests were limited to suborbital trajectories over three years, part of a development campaign costing SpaceX more than $15 billion, setting high stakes for this orbital attempt.
- After flight controllers reversed a 'no-go' decision following a Raptor engine failure, Starship proceeded to orbit and deployed 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites into the company's broadband constellation.
- Mission control announced 'Starship is orbital' during the live stream; flight controllers then cut the planned 10-hour mission to three hours, redirecting the vehicle for a Pacific Ocean splashdown.
- This orbital success positions SpaceX to support NASA's Artemis lunar missions, with Elon Musk eyeing future catch attempts using mechanical arms to enable rapid Starship reflying by year's end.
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SpaceX's Starship reaches orbit in historic first but flight ends early: 6 things to know
SpaceX's Starship reached orbit for the first time and deployed 26 advanced Starlink satellites, but an engine malfunction prompted an early return to Earth. Here's what to know about the milestone flight, the mission's outcome and its implications for NASA's Artemis programme.
SpaceX Starship splashes down after successful 1st orbital flight test - Regional Media News
(NEW YORK) - SpaceX on Monday launched the world's largest and most powerful rocket and spacecraft on a mission that marks the first time the spacecraft achieved orbit. Starship splashed down in the Pacific, north of Hawaii, just before noon ET. Although the mission ended [...]
A Starship rocket from the private U.S. space company SpaceX has completed its flight earlier than planned after reaching Earth's orbit.
SpaceX Launched Its Huge Starship Into Orbit for the First Time, but Shortened the Flight for Safety
SpaceX launched its huge Starship into orbit for the first time on Monday and successfully delivered the most advanced Starlinks so far, but shortened the flight to ensure safety.
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