SpaceX’s Starship reached Earth orbit for the first time during its 14th test flight from Starbase in South Texas on 28 September, even after an engine problem during ascent led mission managers to shorten the flight. The vehicle later deployed 26 next-generation Starlink satellites before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, ending the mission after about three hours rather than the roughly 10 hours originally planned.
The flight marks a major step for SpaceX’s largest rocket, which had previously only completed suborbital test missions. It also provided the first orbital payload deployment for Starship, using the upper stage to place the satellites after orbital insertion. SpaceX initially considered aborting the orbital attempt because of the engine issue, but continued with the mission once the spacecraft had reached space.
The early return means the test was not fully nominal, as the vehicle did not complete the intended six orbits or the full-duration demonstration. Even so, the result advances validation of the Starship system for future lunar and Mars missions, while also supporting the company’s next-generation Starlink deployment plans.