SpaceX aims to put Starship in orbit for the first time
SpaceX is preparing for a critical test flight of its Starship rocket, aiming to reach Earth's orbit for the first time. The mission includes deploying Starlink satellites and testing complex orbital maneuvers essential for future Moon and Mars exploration.
Why it matters
Success would mark a major milestone in the development of fully reusable, heavy-lift launch vehicles, significantly lowering the cost of space access.
WASHINGTON, United States: Three years after its first test flight, SpaceX’s Starship rocket will attempt Monday to enter Earth’s orbit, a key step in the development of the massive launch vehicle designed for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
On the heels of its high-profile initial public offering in June, Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans to shift into high gear with a 14th test flight featuring ambitious goals.
The test, expected to last about 10 hours, will involve the upper stage of the experimental rocket flying into Earth orbit and deploying 26 next-generation Starlink satellites there — if all goes well.
But the launch, scheduled to take place in Texas starting at 7:15 am local time (1215 GMT), could hold surprises, as multiple previous tests have ended in spectacular explosions.
Also covering this story
8 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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