SpaceX's next Starship launch will lift off on Sept. 22 and aim to reach orbit for 1st time
SpaceX successfully completed the first orbital test flight of Starship on September 28, 2026. The uncrewed vehicle, which stands 407 feet tall, launched from the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. This 14th test flight carried 26 Starlink V3 satellites into orbit. The mission followed a scheduling shift from an original date of September 22 to September 28, a change SpaceX implemented on its website pending regulatory approval. No specific reason for the delay was provided by the company.
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- ✓ Starship Flight 14 reached orbit on September 28, 2026.
- ✓ The flight carried 26 Starlink V3 satellites.
- ✓ The uncrewed Starship stands 407 feet tall.
- ✓ The vehicle launched from the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
What changed
Starship Flight 14 successfully reached orbit on September 28 after a delay from the original September 22 date.
Live updates
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SpaceX Starship achieves first orbital flight on September 28
SpaceX successfully completed the first orbital test flight of Starship on September 28, 2026. The uncrewed vehicle, which stands 407 feet tall, launched from the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. This 14th test flight carried 26 Starlink V3 satellites into orbit. The mission followed a scheduling shift from an original date of September 22 to September 28, a change SpaceX implemented on its website pending regulatory approval. No specific reason for the delay was provided by the company.
Why it matters
Reaching orbit is a primary milestone for the Starship program as it transitions from atmospheric tests to operational spaceflight. This capability allows the vehicle to deploy larger satellite constellations and eventually support deep space missions.
What is confirmed
- Starship Flight 14 reached orbit on September 28, 2026.
- The flight carried 26 Starlink V3 satellites.
- The uncrewed Starship stands 407 feet tall.
- The vehicle launched from the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
- The launch date was moved from September 22 to September 28 pending regulatory approval.
What to watch next
- The launch date and mission objectives for Starship Flight 15
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- nextspaceflight.com — Starship - Next Spaceflight
- mynews13.com — SpaceX to do first orbital flight test for Starship
- www.starship-tracker.space — Starship Watch — Launch Tracker
- liftoffwatch.com — Starship Mission Control - Liftoff Watch
- www.starbaseevents.com — Starbase Status: Next Launch, Closures & Viewing Right Now
- looktospace.com — Starbase Launch Schedule & Viewing Guide | LookToSpace
- keeptrack.space — Next Starship Launch 2026, Flight 15 Date and Flight Log ...
- mynews13.com — SpaceX successfully launches NASA's Crew-13 mission to the ISS
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SpaceX prepares Falcon 9 mission to deploy Starlink satellites and test Besxar pods
SpaceX is scheduling a Falcon 9 Block 5 launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to deploy 29 Starlink v2.0 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit. The mission uses booster B1090.13 for its 13th flight, which will attempt a landing on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean. This flight also includes two pilot manufacturing pods from Besxar integrated onto the first stage booster to conduct a series of development flight tests.
Why it matters
The mission follows the successful orbital reach of Starship Flight 14 on September 28. While Starship focuses on heavy lift and reentry, the Falcon 9 fleet continues high-frequency satellite deployment and hardware testing. This specific flight tests new manufacturing pod technology alongside standard Starlink deployment.
What is confirmed
- The upcoming Falcon 9 mission will launch 29 Starlink v2.0 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit.
- The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- Booster B1090.13 is scheduled for its 13th flight.
- The first stage is intended to land on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean.
Still unconfirmed
- Two pilot manufacturing pods from Besxar are integrated onto the Falcon 9 first stage for flight tests.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the launch date and time for the Starlink v2.0 Mini mission
- Updates on the scheduling of Starship Flight 15 and the tower catch attempt
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- spacexnow.com — Upcoming - SpaceXNow
- next2space.com — SpaceX Starlink upcoming launches, livestreams, events & recent videos
- spacexfantracker.com — SpaceX Launch Tracker • Mission Control
- www.starbaseevents.com — Starbase in the News: Starship and Boca Chica Coverage
- spacexnow.com — SpaceX Launch Tracker - Next Launch, Schedule and Alerts ...
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SpaceX Starship achieves first orbital flight during Flight 14
SpaceX successfully launched Starship Flight 14 from Starbase, Texas, marking the vehicle's first successful reach of orbit. The mission launched at 7:46 A.M. CDT on September 28, 2026, from Pad 2. The flight aimed to deploy 26 Starlink V3 satellites and test reentry during a mission lasting nearly 10 hours. While the rocket reached orbit, the mission concluded with a fiery splashdown. SpaceX is now preparing for Flight 15, which may involve attempting to catch the spacecraft at the launch tower.
Why it matters
Reaching orbit is a prerequisite for the Starship's intended roles in NASA's Artemis campaign to return astronauts to the Moon. The vehicle's massive scale is designed for future deep space missions to Mars. Previous tests included a flight on July 24 that resulted in a recovery off the coast of Christmas Island.
What is confirmed
- Starship Flight 14 launched from Pad 2 at Starbase, Texas, at 7:46 A.M. CDT on September 28, 2026.
- The mission was the first time the Starship rocket reached orbit.
- Flight 14 deployed 26 Starlink satellites.
- The mission ended in a fiery splashdown.
Still unconfirmed
- Flight 15 could attempt to catch the Starship spacecraft at the launch tower.
- Flight 14 was a nearly 10-hour mission testing reentry.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the Flight 15 launch date
- Results of the Flight 14 reentry data analysis
- Confirmation of the tower catch attempt for Flight 15
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.sciencetimes.com — SpaceX Starship Aims for First Orbital Flight as Massive Rocket Prepares for Launch - Sciencetimes
- tech.yahoo.com — After milestone flight, SpaceX targets next Starship launch
- www.centraloregondaily.com — Starship is due to fly again from Texas as SpaceX eyes major ...
- starlust.org — SpaceX launches Starship on its first attempt to reach orbit - Starlust
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SpaceX's Starship reaches orbit for first time
SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully reached orbit for the first time on September 26, 2026, carrying 26 Starlink satellites on a crucial test flight. The mission utilized Ship 41 and Super Heavy Booster 21. Despite initial engine concerns, the launch proceeded as planned, marking a significant milestone in the development of the massive launch vehicle for future missions to the moon and Mars.
Why it matters
This orbital test flight represents a scale increase over previous experimental flights as SpaceX moves towards operational utility. The successful launch is a key step in developing Starship for future missions to the moon and Mars. Reaching orbit is a critical milestone that could let SpaceX start using Starship for regular commercial missions and inch closer to making the mega-rocket fully reusable.
What is confirmed
- SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully reached orbit for the first time on September 26, 2026.
- The mission carried 26 Starlink satellites on a crucial test flight.
- The flight utilized Ship 41 and Super Heavy Booster 21.
- The launch proceeded despite initial engine concerns.
Still unconfirmed
- The flight was cut short to ensure safety and the spacecraft reentered over the Pacific and splashed down north of Hawaii three hours after blasting off.
What to watch next
- Upcoming Starship Flight 14 launch on September 22, 2026, and its mission objectives
- Further development and testing of Starship for future missions to the moon and Mars
- SpaceX's plans for making the mega-rocket fully reusable
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (16)
- www.spacex.com — SpaceX - Launches
- www.usatoday.com — As SpaceX eyes flight 14 for Starship, relive all 13 previous launches
- Phys.org — SpaceX aims to put Starship in orbit for the first time
- www.theguardian.com — ‘Starship is in orbit’: cheers go up as huge SpaceX rocket ...
- www.cnbc.com — SpaceX launches its massive Starship rocket into orbit for ...
- www.cnn.com — SpaceX’s Starship is headed for orbit. Here’s what’s at stake ...
- www.nbcnews.com — SpaceX’s supersized Starship launches into orbit for the first time but flight ends early
- nypost.com — SpaceX launches massive Starship into orbit for the first time despite engine shutting down
- www.basenor.com — SpaceX Starship Tracker: Flight Log & Next Launch (2026)
- www.spacelaunchschedule.com — Starship Launch Schedule: SpaceX Starbase Updates & Test Flights
- www.scientificamerican.com — SpaceX’s Starship lifts off in make-or-break orbital test flight
- www.bbc.co.uk — SpaceX launches Starship rocket as it aims to orbit around Earth for first time - watch live - BBC
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SpaceX targets September 22 for first Starship orbital attempt
SpaceX plans to launch Starship Flight 14 on September 22, 2026, marking the first time the vehicle will attempt to reach Earth orbit. This operational mission will carry 26 Starlink satellites. The flight utilizes Ship 41 and Super Heavy Booster 21. This mission represents a scale increase over previous tests as SpaceX moves from experimental flights to operational utility. Pilots are advised to monitor Notices to Airmen for airspace restrictions surrounding the launch window.
Why it matters
Previous Starship flights focused on testing vehicle systems without achieving a full orbit. Reaching orbit is necessary for the rocket to deploy large satellite constellations and support deep space missions. Success would transition the program from a testing phase to an active transport system.
What is confirmed
- SpaceX targets September 22, 2026, for Starship Flight 14.
- Flight 14 is the first attempt by the Starship program to reach Earth orbit.
- The mission will carry 26 operational Starlink satellites.
Still unconfirmed
- Ship 41 and Super Heavy Booster 21 are the specific vehicles being prepared for the flight.
- Pilots should monitor Notices to Airmen for airspace restrictions.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of successful orbital insertion on September 22.
- Deployment status of the 26 Starlink satellites.
- Post-flight data on the performance of Ship 41 and Booster 21.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- mynews13.com — SpaceX successfully launches latest Starlink mission
- mynews13.com — NASA and SpaceX successfully launch Nancy Grace Roman telescope
- www.techrepublic.com — SpaceX Starship Targets First Orbit: 26 Starlink Satellites Are Coming Along
- www.flyingmag.com — SpaceX Starship Flight 14: What Pilots and Space Enthusiasts Need to Know
- www.basenor.com — Starship Flight 14 Targets September 22 — What's at Stake
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SpaceX schedules first Starship orbital test for September 22
SpaceX will launch Starship Flight 14 on September 22 with the goal of reaching orbit for the first time. The company has declared the vehicle ready for this orbital attempt, which represents a significant increase in mission scale compared to previous flights. This launch marks the first time the rocket will be put to work for operational purposes.
Why it matters
Starship is the largest rocket ever built and is designed for deep space missions. Achieving orbit is a primary technical requirement before the system can carry commercial payloads or crew.
What is confirmed
- SpaceX has scheduled the Starship orbital test for September 22.
- The upcoming mission is designated as Starship Flight 14.
- The primary objective of the September 22 launch is to reach orbit for the first time.
Still unconfirmed
- The next Starship flight will generate revenue.
- The launch is intended to put the rocket to work for the first time.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of launch window opening on September 22
- Telemetry data confirming the vehicle has reached orbit
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- Ars Technica — SpaceX declares Starship ready for orbit, sets launch date next week
- SpaceX — Starship Flight 14
- Reuters — SpaceX targets first Starship orbital test on September 22
- inc.com — SpaceX Is About to Put Its Starship Rocket to Work for the First Time. This Is What's Riding on the High-Stakes Launch
- Space — SpaceX's next Starship launch will lift off on Sept. 22 and aim to reach orbit for 1st time
- Teslarati — SpaceX’s next Starship launch is about to attempt its biggest leap yet
- Aviation Week — SpaceX's Next Starship Flight To Generate Revenue
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