Starship entered orbit for the first time and deployed the latest version of its Starlink satellites, critical steps in the company’s push for the experimental rocket to handle a range of missions.
SpaceX launched Starship from a pad in Texas on Monday just before 9 a.m. Eastern time, according to the company’s live feed. The Monday flight marked the 14th test of Starship, the massive rocket that SpaceX wants to move from a research-and-development phase to one where it carries revenue-generating payloads.
The vehicle carried 26 satellites that SpaceX added to its current constellation, which delivers internet service to customers around the world.
The satellites, known as V3, are bigger than previous versions and are designed to be transported on a larger rocket. The company has said the satellites offer roughly 10 times better downlink capacity and about 22 times better uplink capacity than its second-generation satellites.
The Elon Musk-led company has invested more than $15 billion into Starship so far, which stands roughly 400 feet tall on the launchpad. Starship completed its 13th test flight in July.
The orbital mission called for Starship to fly about 170 miles above Earth’s surface and complete six orbits around the planet over the course of roughly 10 hours. However, the mission was cut short following one of the vehicle’s engines unexpectedly shutting down mid-flight.
The vehicle made a controlled descent, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean around noon Eastern.
With Starship having completed its first orbital mission, SpaceX said it is moving to the next phase of development for the rocket to become fully and rapidly reusable.
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