SpaceX’s newest and largest Starship reached proper orbit for the first time on Monday, marking a major milestone for the reusable launch system that underpins the company’s Moon and Mars ambitions.
The flight also deployed 26 advanced Starlink satellites. Engineers had planned a longer mission of multiple orbits, but SpaceX ended the flight early after signs of engine trouble and brought the spacecraft down in the Pacific near Hawaii.
Orbit is a major step for the redesigned vehicle
Previous full-scale Starship tests had achieved substantial progress but had not completed the same orbital profile. Reaching orbit demonstrates key performance from the enlarged vehicle and its Super Heavy booster architecture.
Starship is designed to replace much of SpaceX’s existing launch fleet over time and is central to NASA’s Artemis lunar program, which plans to use a Starship-derived lunar lander.
Flight ended early after engine concerns
SpaceX shortened the mission after engineers detected issues that made continuing the full test profile unnecessary. The spacecraft reentered safely enough to reach its planned ocean recovery area before tipping and breaking apart after splashdown.
The company is expected to use the flight data to refine future launches as additional Starship infrastructure comes online in Florida and elsewhere.
Sources: SpaceX mission coverage and Associated Press.
