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SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket reached orbit for the first time on Monday. Despite the unexpected shutdown of one of its engines during the flight, the spacecraft deployed 26 new Starlink satellites into orbit.
The 40-story uncrewed rocket was launched from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas. It was Starship’s 14th flight since 2023. The previous 13 missions had remained at the suborbital stage.
Engine problem shortened mission
After reaching space, one of the spacecraft’s three main engines stopped operating. SpaceX initially said it would not attempt to place the vehicle into orbit, but engineers later determined that the engine burn required to enter orbit was possible.
The maneuver was completed successfully, and Starship reached its planned orbital trajectory. Because of the engine problem, the mission was shortened from the planned 10 hours to about three hours.
The Super Heavy booster also experienced engine problems during its descent. Nevertheless, the booster completed a controlled water landing in the Gulf of Mexico.
26 new Starlink satellites deployed
After reaching orbit, Starship deployed 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites at an altitude of about 269 kilometers.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk said all the satellites had been successfully deployed and were operating normally. The V3 satellites have significantly higher data-transmission capacity than previous generations. They are expected to support the faster expansion of the company’s broadband internet network.
Starship is designed to carry larger groups of Starlink satellites into orbit than the Falcon 9 rockets currently used by SpaceX.
Importance of mission for SpaceX and NASA
Starship’s orbital flight is considered an important milestone for SpaceX. The company plans to use the rocket for frequent satellite launches and crewed missions in the future.
The rocket also plays a central role in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon and establish a long-term presence there.
Although the flight carried operational satellites, the mission was a test. SpaceX did not plan to recover the Starship spacecraft after its controlled splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
The successful orbital flight followed earlier tests that demonstrated individual capabilities but did not complete a full orbital mission. SpaceX aims to make Starship a fully reusable rocket and launch it at a higher frequency than traditional rockets.
