SpaceX’s Starship Reaches Orbit for First Time, Deploys Starlink Satellites
SpaceX’s Starship reached Earth orbit for the first time Monday, its 14th test flight, deploying 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites in its first operational-payload mission.
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Global N Press
9/30/20262 min read
STARBASE, Texas, September 28, 2026 — SpaceX’s Starship reached Earth orbit for the first time on Monday during its 14th test flight, deploying 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites in its first mission carrying an operational payload. The milestone marked a significant step in SpaceX’s effort to develop Starship into a reusable launch system for commercial and government missions, although the flight ended earlier than planned after an engine malfunction.
First Orbital Flight
The 40-story Starship lifted off from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas aboard its Super Heavy booster. After stage separation, one of Starship’s three main engines shut down prematurely, initially raising uncertainty over whether the spacecraft could complete its planned orbital maneuver. Engineers later determined that the vehicle could continue using its remaining engines.
Starship subsequently reached orbit and deployed all 26 Starlink V3 satellites at an altitude of roughly 269 kilometers, according to Reuters. SpaceX said the satellites were operating normally. The company is developing Starship in part to launch larger batches of Starlink satellites and accelerate expansion of its satellite internet network.
Mission Ends Early
The flight was originally designed to last about 10 hours and complete six orbits. Instead, the mission was shortened to roughly three hours because of the engine problem.
The Super Heavy booster also encountered engine problems during its descent but completed a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. Starship later conducted a controlled descent before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
The mission remained classified as a test flight despite carrying operational satellites. Its successful orbital insertion came after 13 previous Starship flights since 2023 had remained suborbital. Reuters reported that SpaceX has spent more than $15 billion on the nearly decade-long Starship development program.
Commercial and Lunar Ambitions
SpaceX plans to use Starship for more frequent Starlink launches, while the vehicle is also being developed to support future NASA lunar missions and other space infrastructure projects. The company has outlined plans for a much higher launch frequency, but additional testing and technical development will be required before routine operations can begin.
The milestone also has implications for SpaceX’s broader business strategy. Reuters reported that the company was valued at about $2 trillion at the September 25 close, with Starship viewed as an important component of its longer-term growth plans.
