SpaceX completes full launch rehearsal for Starship's first orbital mission
SpaceX has successfully completed a wet dress rehearsal for Starship, simulating the entire launch sequence without liftoff. The vehicle is now scheduled for its 14th test flight on September 28, which will be its first orbital attempt, carrying 26 Starlink V3 satellites. The mission will involve six orbits over 10 hours before re-entry and ocean splashdown.
The rehearsal process involved loading the vehicle with liquid propellants, activating its systems, and running through the full countdown sequence, including simulated launch scrubs and fuel offload procedures. This validated the rocket's fuel lines, onboard software, and ground communications ahead of the actual attempt.
Flight 14 represents a major step for Starship, shifting from suborbital hops to a full orbital profile. The vehicle will circle Earth six times over roughly ten hours, then re-enter the atmosphere for an ocean splashdown. It will also carry 26 Starlink V3 satellites, marking the first deployment of these next-generation units into SpaceX's growing internet constellation. The launch window opens at 8:15 AM Eastern Time on September 28.
A successful orbital flight could demonstrate Starship's viability for routine satellite delivery and eventually crewed missions, potentially lowering launch costs for commercial customers and accelerating Starlink's expansion. The outcome may also shape regulatory confidence in large reusable rockets, influencing how quickly similar vehicles from other companies gain approval. Failure, however, could delay timelines and prompt renewed scrutiny of the program's safety and reliability.