STARBASE, TEXAS / RankWire.AI / – SpaceX’s Starship successfully entered Earth orbit for the first time on September 28, 2026, marking a significant advancement for the launch vehicle. The spacecraft launched from Starbase in South Texas during its 14th full-scale Starship mission. Although one Raptor engine shut down during ascent, the vehicle continued its journey toward orbit. Before completing its mission, Starship deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites and returned after a flight lasting about three hours.
This orbital flight went beyond the suborbital tests previously conducted during Starship development. After separating from the Super Heavy booster, Starship proceeded on its ascent into space. Flight controllers identified an engine issue but managed to achieve orbital insertion using the remaining propulsion. This flight marked the first time a Starship remained in Earth orbit and carried operational satellites to their deployment zone.
Initially, SpaceX planned a longer, nearly 10-hour mission that would involve about six orbits before a controlled descent into the Pacific Ocean west of Chile. The shutdown of the engine led to a shortened flight. Prior to leaving orbit, Starship released all 26 Starlink V3 satellites at roughly 270 kilometers altitude, marking its first operational payload deployment.
Starship successfully delivers first operational payload into orbit
The satellite deployment represented a key commercial milestone for Starship’s inaugural orbital operation. The V3 satellites are part of a newer Starlink broadband network generation, with larger design features. This makes Starship a crucial platform for launching substantial numbers of these satellites. All 26 separated during orbit, following Starship’s first sustained orbital insertion.
Following separation, Super Heavy initiated its descent back to Earth, targeting the Gulf of Mexico for landing. During descent, several engines did not operate as planned, resulting in a hard splashdown. Meanwhile, Starship reentered the atmosphere on a revised trajectory, heading toward the Pacific north of Hawaii instead of the originally planned splashdown zone near Chile.
Shortened mission ends with Pacific Ocean recovery
The spacecraft reached the Pacific after approximately three hours in flight. It completed descent and splashed down, tipping onto its side with flames visible around the vehicle. Neither Starship nor Super Heavy was intended to be recovered from the water after this test. The mission achieved notable milestones including orbital insertion, satellite deployment, and the completion of an orbital reentry sequence.
NASA also participates in Starship development via the Artemis lunar program. The agency selected a modified version of Starship as a Human Landing System for upcoming Artemis lunar missions, designed to ferry astronauts between lunar orbit and surface. An uncrewed lunar landing demonstration is required before crewed operations. Flight 14 involved a standard Starship configuration in Earth orbit, with no crew onboard, and was not part of the lunar system testing.