STARBASE, TEXAS / RankWire.AI / – SpaceX’s Starship achieved its first-ever journey into Earth orbit on September 28, 2026, representing a significant breakthrough 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 craft proceeded toward its orbital target. Prior to completing its mission, Starship deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites in a process that lasted about three hours, following a shortened flight profile.
This orbital mission exceeded the suborbital tests previously conducted with Starship. The spacecraft separated from the Super Heavy booster and continued its ascent into space. Flight controllers evaluated the engine issue before the spacecraft successfully achieved orbit using its remaining propulsion systems. Notably, this marked the first time a Starship flight remained in Earth orbit and the first to deliver operational satellites to their deployment point.
Initially, SpaceX had intended a much longer mission, approximately 10 hours in duration. The original plan involved about six orbits around Earth followed by a controlled descent into the Pacific Ocean west of Chile. The engine shutdown, however, prompted a reduction in the mission length. Before departing orbit, Starship deployed all 26 Starlink V3 satellites at an altitude around 270 kilometers, marking its first operational payload deployment.
Starship delivers first operational payload into orbit
This deployment represented a key commercial milestone for Starship’s first orbital mission. The V3 satellites are part of a newer version of the Starlink broadband constellation. Their increased size emphasizes Starship’s role as a vital launch platform for large satellite batches. All 26 satellites separated successfully during orbit, following the spacecraft’s initial orbital insertion. The successful release occurred after Starship had already achieved its first sustained orbital insertion.
Following separation from Starship, Super Heavy initiated its descent back toward Earth. The booster headed toward the Gulf of Mexico, beginning its designated landing burn over water. During descent, several engines did not operate as expected, resulting in a hard splashdown. Meanwhile, Starship re-entered the atmosphere on a revised path, heading toward the Pacific north of Hawaii instead of the originally planned splashdown zone near Chile.
Mission concludes with Pacific water landing after brief flight
The spacecraft spent roughly three hours in flight before reaching the Pacific Ocean. After descent, Starship entered the water and tipped onto its side, with flames visible around the vehicle upon splashdown. Recovery of Starship or Super Heavy was not part of the plan following this test. The mission ended with several notable achievements, including orbital insertion, operational satellite deployment, and a successful orbital reentry sequence.
NASA also plays a direct role in the development of Starship through its Artemis lunar program. The agency selected a modified version of Starship as a Human Landing System for upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon. This version will transport astronauts between lunar orbit and the lunar surface. Prior to crewed landings, NASA requires an uncrewed lunar landing demonstration. Flight 14 involved a standard Starship configuration, remaining solely an Earth-orbit mission without crew onboard.