SpaceX's Starship reaches orbit for the first time, deploys Starlink satellites
SPCX•SpaceX's Starship reached orbit for the first time and deployed 26 next-generation Starlink satellites, despite an engine shutting down earlier than planned. The company aims to begin routine Starship use late this year, launching batches of 60 V3 satellites.
1. First orbital flight
The uncrewed Starship reached orbit Monday after one of its three main engines shut down early. Engineers confirmed it could still attempt an engine firing, and the vehicle then deployed 26 next-generation Starlink satellites at a planned altitude of roughly 269 km.
2. Satellite plans
The flight was Starship's 14th test mission and its first to carry an orbital payload. SpaceX says the V3 satellites can handle 10 times more data than its V2 mini-satellites. Elon Musk aims to launch batches of 60 V3 satellites once Starship enters routine operation, a goal he now targets for late this year.
3. Return and future use
The vehicle was expected to complete six Earth orbits during a 10-hour voyage before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean west of Chile; no recovery was planned. Starship is designed to launch Starlink satellites and carry future NASA missions to the moon.
