SpaceX launches Starship rocket as it aims to orbit around Earth for first time
- On Monday, SpaceX launched the 407-foot Starship from Starbase, Texas, at 7:48 a.m. local time, achieving the vehicle's first successful entry into Earth orbit at more than 170 miles altitude during its 14th test flight.
- Shortly after liftoff, one of six Raptor engines shut down, prompting flight controllers to weigh data; after roughly 20 minutes, SpaceX lead propulsion engineer Jake Berkowitz announced the historic decision: 'That's the first time we've ever said that in this program: Go for orbit.'
- Once in orbit, Starship deployed all 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites at roughly 269 kilometers altitude; the advanced satellites can handle 10 times more data than their V2 predecessors, joining 11,000 older models already providing service.
- Flight controllers opted to end the test after just over three hours rather than complete the planned six orbits over 10 hours, prioritizing safety; CEO Elon Musk stated earlier this month the company remains 'extremely cautious' to prevent debris over populated areas.
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the 'safe, responsible, and especially inspirational' execution, validating SpaceX for Artemis III next summer; SpaceX pursues an 'exciting new phase' including orbital refueling and mechanical spacecraft recovery by year-end or early next year.
429 Articles
429 Articles
A Starship rocket was launched successfully into orbit for the first time, where it deployed several satellites. It was planned that the giant rocket would orbit the Earth six times - but there were technical problems.
Oleg Tsarev: Spectacular: Elon Musk's Starship entered Earth orbit for the first time, and there was some drama: one of the ship's six engines failed during ascent. And even the option of drowning Starship in Indian was discussed..
Spectacular: Elon Musk's Starship entered Earth's orbit for the first timeThere was some drama: during the ascent, one of the ship's six engines failed. And even the option of sinking Starship in the Indian Ocean was discussed. But he still made it to...
Elon Musk's giant rocket will take off from the Texan space station as planned and will take off into orbit. Six orbits are planned, but SpaceX will cancel the mission prematurely. A controlled fall into the Pacific is to follow.
The giant rocket also launched 26 new Starlink V3 satellites into orbit.
The success represents a significant milestone for Elon Musk's company.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
