GoKawiilSpaceX Starship reaches Earth orbit for first time, deploys 26 Starlink satellites
SpaceX's Starship rocket achieved Earth orbit for the first time in a launch from South Texas, despite losing one of six Raptor engines on its upper stage shortly after separation. The company briefly called off the mission before resuming, and the Ship stage went on to deploy all 26 planned third-generation Starlink satellites. SpaceX is still deciding whether to complete a full set of orbits or bring the upper stage down early, while the Super Heavy booster successfully returned to the launch site.
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Reaching orbit is a milestone SpaceX has pursued for years, and could position the company to begin using Starship for routine commercial missions while advancing its goal of full reusability. The successful deployment of more powerful V3 Starlink satellites suggests SpaceX may be able to expand its internet constellation's capacity far faster than with its current Falcon 9 fleet. CEO Elon Musk has made Starship central to broader ambitions including NASA moon missions, which this flight could bring closer to realization.
- Starship reached Earth orbit for the first time despite losing one of six engines mid-flight
- All 26 upgraded V3 Starlink satellites were successfully deployed during the mission
- The Super Heavy booster returned successfully to the Gulf coast launch site
SpaceX Starship LEGO Ideas Model — Celebrate Starship's orbital milestone with a detailed model rocket you can build and display. It's a fun way for space enthusiasts to engage with SpaceX's ambitious mega-rocket program while it continues pushing toward full reusability.
See SpaceX Starship LEGO Ideas Model on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: techcrunch.com — Sean O'Kane, 2026-09-28
Published there as: “SpaceX’s Starship rocket reaches orbit for the first time”
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