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Tue 29 Sep 2026 EN
· · 11 sources ·Updated

SpaceX Starship reaches Earth orbit for first time on Monday

SpaceX launched its Starship rocket from Texas on Monday to attempt the vehicle's first entry into Earth orbit.

SpaceX aims to put Starship in orbit for the first time
File photo SpaceX aims to put Starship in orbit for the first time Photo: Phys.org

Mission goals and satellite deployment

The flight carried 26 next-generation Starlink satellites intended for the company's internet constellation. Mission controllers aimed for six full laps around the planet before the spacecraft re-entered the atmosphere.

Launch timeline and booster recovery

The upper stage separated from the Super Heavy booster roughly 26 minutes after liftoff. The first-stage booster was not meant to return to the launch site but instead dropped into the Gulf of Mexico.

Engine issue and shortened flight

An engine failure during ascent threatened the mission before controllers decided to proceed with the orbital burn. The test ended earlier than planned after one of Starship's main engines shut down prematurely.

11 outlets, different leads

  • Phys.org

    SpaceX aims to put Starship in orbit for the first time

  • Hypebeast

    SpaceX Starship Flight 14 Is Set for September 28 as Its First True Orbital Mission

  • France 24

    SpaceX to attempt putting Starship rocket into Earth orbit for first time

  • Phys.org

    SpaceX's supersized Starship launches toward orbit for the first time

  • Express Tribune

    SpaceX's Starship reaches orbit for the first time, deploys Starlink satellites

  • The Hill

    SpaceX launches Starship toward orbit for first time

  • Anadolu Agency

    SpaceX launches giant Starship rocket on first mission to orbit Earth

  • Dawn

    SpaceX puts Starship megarocket in orbit for first time

  • The Guardian

    ‘Starship is in orbit’: cheers go up as huge SpaceX rocket circles Earth for first time

  • South China Morning Post

    SpaceX’s Starship rocket reaches orbit for first time

  • Dawn

    SpaceX's Starship megarocket makes orbital debut deploying Starlinks before early ending

Reported by

11 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.