SpaceX deploys Starlink satellites after Starship reaches orbit for first time
SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket into orbit for the first time, overcoming an engine issue during the flight. The mission included the deployment of 26 next-generation Starlink satellites as part of the company's routine testing phase.
Why it matters
Achieving orbit is a critical milestone for Starship, which is intended to lower the cost of space transport and support future NASA lunar missions.
SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket reached orbit for the first time on Monday despite having one of its engines down, overcoming this hitch mid-flight to deploy the first batch of new Starlink satellites as Elon Musk’s company plans to put the vehicle into routine use starting later this year.
The uncrewed 40-storey-tall vehicle, comprising a Super Heavy booster rocket topped by the main upper-stage Starship vessel, thundered off its launch pad from SpaceX’s Starbase complex along the Gulf of Mexico near Brownsville.
The Super Heavy booster lofted the Starship upper stage into space before returning itself to Gulf waters for an engine-controlled splashdown, following hard landings for the booster on two previous missions.
The team has made the call not to commit to orbit
Also covering this story
12 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
SpaceX is trying to send Starship to orbit for the first time, with Starlink satellites aboard
SpaceX’s massive Starship is finally going to orbit - and the effects could be seismic
SpaceX puts Starship megarocket in orbit for first time
Why Starship's riskiest launch yet is such a big deal for Elon Musk's SpaceX
SpaceX aims to put Starship in orbit for the first time
SpaceX Aims To Put Starship In Orbit For The First Time
SpaceX's Starship launches on first orbital mission from Texas
SpaceX's 'biggest, most powerful' rocket reaches Earth orbit for first time
SpaceX’s Starship rocket reaches orbit for the first time
After One Hiccup, SpaceX Reaches Orbit With Starship's 14th Launch
SpaceX's Starship launching to orbit for first time ever today
SpaceX's supersized Starship launches into orbit for the first time but flight ends early
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in