SpaceX's Starship rocket orbiting Earth for first time after Texas lift-off

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   SpaceX Starship Reaches Orbit and Deploys Satellites

   SpaceX successfully launched its massive Starship rocket on its 14th test flight from Starbase in South Texas, achieving Earth orbit for the first time. The 407-foot vehicle lifted off at 7:48 a.m. CDT, powered by 33 Raptor engines on its Super Heavy booster. Although mission parameters initially called for a ten-hour flight completing six orbits, the spacecraft returned to Earth after a three-hour mission. During the flight, Starship successfully deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites into space before an early conclusion to the test.

   Why it matters

   Reaching orbit marks a critical milestone for SpaceX as the company works toward developing regular commercial missions and full reusability for its mega-rocket. The vehicle is intended to transport humans to the lunar surface as soon as 2028, alongside eventual missions to Mars. This success follows a sequence of previous test flights by the world's largest and most powerful rocket.

   What is confirmed

   • SpaceX launched the 14th test flight of its Starship rocket from Starbase, Texas, on September 28, 2026, at 7:48 a.m. CDT.
   • Starship is the world's largest and most powerful rocket and spacecraft, standing 407 feet tall.
   • The Super Heavy booster was powered by 33 Raptor engines during the lift-off.
   • The spacecraft successfully deployed 26 Starlink satellites into space.
   • The test flight concluded after three hours rather than the planned 10-hour duration.

   Still unconfirmed

   • One of the upper stage's six engines failed after booster separation during the flight.

   What to watch next

   • Investigation reports regarding the engine failure during the upper stage burn
   • SpaceX schedule adjustments for future Starship orbital test flights and commercial payload deployments
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. cnn.com — Live updates: SpaceX launches unprecedented test flight of massive Starship, aiming for orbit
   2. bbc.com — SpaceX to launch Starship into orbit around Earth for first time
   3. bbc.co.uk — SpaceX's Starship rocket returning to Earth after orbiting the planet - watch live
   4. Al Jazeera — SpaceX’s showpiece Starship rocket reaches orbit for first time
   5. The Guardian — ‘Starship is in orbit’: cheers go up as huge SpaceX rocket circles Earth for first time
   6. www.cnbc.com — SpaceX launches its massive Starship rocket into orbit for ...
   7. www.bbc.com — Watch live: SpaceX launches Starship rocket
   8. techcrunch.com — SpaceX’s Starship rocket reaches orbit for the first time
   9. Phys.org — SpaceX's Starship rocket does its job during first orbital ...
   10. abcnews.com — SpaceX Starship splashes down after successful 1st orbital ...
   11. www.techspot.com — SpaceX's Starship finally reaches orbit and puts 26 Starlink satellites into space
   12. www.straitstimes.com — SpaceX’s Starship makes orbital debut deploying Starlinks before early ending
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