Starship Reaches Orbit for the First Time and Deploys 26 Satellites

SpaceX's Starship reached orbit for the first time during its fourteenth test flight and deployed 26 new-generation Starlink satellites. Despite the successful outcome, the mission ended earlier than planned due to the premature shutdown of one of the engines.

The flight was originally scheduled to last ten hours, but SpaceX shortened its duration to three hours. One of the main engines shut down prematurely, and the company initially suspected that Starship would not be able to reach orbit. Engineers later confirmed that the spacecraft was able to complete the required maneuver with its remaining engines, and Starship successfully entered orbit.

After reaching orbit, Starship deployed its 26 satellites in stages at an altitude of approximately 269 kilometers. This was Starship's first mission in which the spacecraft carried an actual payload, generating revenue for SpaceX.

The Super Heavy booster splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico, while Starship concluded its flight with a landing in the Pacific Ocean. There was no crew on board.

SpaceX plans to begin regular use of Starship by the end of the year. The spacecraft is being designed for reusability and will be used in the future for launching Starlink satellites and for NASA's lunar missions.

Source: Reuters