SpaceX Starship reaches orbit for the first time on its 14th test flight

SpaceX's Starship rocket reached Earth orbit for the first time on September 28, 2026, launching from Starbase, Texas. The 14th test flight deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites despite one engine shutting down during ascent. The mission ended earlier than the planned 10-hour, six-orbit duration with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.