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 supersized Starship launches into orbit for the first time but flight ends early - WXXV News 25
SpaceX’s mega rocket Starship makes a test flight from Starbase, Texas, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)By MARCIA DUNN SpaceX launched its enormous Starship into orbit for the first time Monday and successfully delivered the most advanced Starlinks yet, but cut the flight short to ensure safety. The spacecraft reentered over the Pacific and splashed down north of Hawaii...
<p>The Starship made its first orbital flight, launching Starlink satellites into orbit for the first time, and deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites, despite engine failure. The mission was reduced from 10 to</p> 3 hours.
SpaceX's Starship made history by reaching Earth's orbit for the first time on its 14th test flight. However, a technical glitch during the flight forced the mission to be terminated ahead of schedule.
Texas Standard
Houston Public MediaSpaceX’s Starship launches from South Texas, returns to Earth with a thud
The biggest rocket ever built launched from Spaceport in South Texas before entering Earth’s orbit shortly after. Though the mission ended with a thud, it does mark a significant step...
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