SpaceX Starship reaches orbit for the first time in 14th test flight

On September 28, 2026, SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket from the Starbase facility in South Texas. This mission, marking the 14th test flight since April 2023, saw the 124-meter-tall vehicle reach Earth's orbit for the first time in its history. During the flight, the rocket encountered an unexpected shutdown of one of its engines, which forced the mission to conclude after three hours instead of the planned ten.

Despite the engine issue, the mission achieved its primary objectives. The spacecraft successfully deployed 26 Version 3 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit and subsequently completed a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean west of Chile. Multiple sources report that upon contact with the water, the vehicle exploded. The spacecraft consists of the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage, both designed for reusability. SpaceX aims to transition Starship to regular operational service by the end of this year, with this successful orbital entry serving as a critical milestone for the company’s future lunar and Mars exploration plans.