Starship reaches orbit for the first time after engine issue
SpaceX's Starship rocket reached Earth orbit for the first time on Monday after launching from South Texas, though the upper stage lost one of its six Raptor engines during the flight. The mission deployed 26 upgraded V3 Starlink satellites, and the Super Heavy booster performed a simulated landing over the Gulf coast. Reaching orbit is a key step toward regular commercial missions and SpaceX's goal of making the mega-rocket fully reusable.
Monday’s flight marked the first time Starship’s upper stage reached Earth orbit. After separation, one of its six Raptor engines failed; SpaceX briefly paused the attempt before continuing. The vehicle released all 26 upgraded V3 Starlink satellites, though the company had not decided whether to complete six planned orbits over nine hours or return the stage sooner.
Super Heavy separated and later executed a water-based simulated landing near the Gulf coast, described as the cleanest such test for the V3 configuration. It was the third V3 trial, spaced roughly two months apart, and the second launch since SpaceX’s record IPO. Shares rose over 1% early Monday.
If Starship begins regular commercial flights, it may lower launch costs and expand satellite internet capacity, potentially affecting rural broadband users and competitors. NASA’s lunar plans and SpaceX investors could benefit from progress, while launch-site communities and orbital traffic may face new environmental and safety pressures. The outcome remains uncertain because engine reliability and reusability still need proving.