SpaceX Starship aims for first orbit flight with 26 satellites
SpaceX plans to launch its Starship rocket into orbit from Texas on Monday morning to deploy 26 Starlink satellites.
Launch window and duration
The mission is scheduled for a 75-minute window starting at 8:15 AM ET. This flight represents the 14th major test for the vehicle and could last almost 10 hours.
Orbital mechanics and risks
The spacecraft will complete six trips around Earth before attempting a landing in the Pacific Ocean off Chile. Previous flights followed suborbital paths, but reaching orbit introduces new risks because an uncontrolled ship could remain in space.
System checks and heat
Engineers will spend about 20 minutes checking systems before committing the craft to orbit. The flight tests engine improvements and a heat shield that must withstand temperatures exceeding 1,370C during re-entry.
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