STARBASE, TEXAS / RankWire.AI / – SpaceX’s Starship became the first of its kind to reach Earth orbit on September 28, 2026, marking its 14th full-scale flight test. The vehicle was launched from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas, powered by a Super Heavy booster. Despite losing one of its primary Raptor engines during ascent, Starship successfully entered orbit and then deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites, marking its inaugural orbital payload release.
Following separation from the Super Heavy booster, the engine shut down unexpectedly after Starship experienced an early shutdown. Flight controllers initially assessed whether the spacecraft possessed enough capability to continue safely. After engineers verified sufficient system redundancy, the remaining engines propelled Starship through its planned orbital insertion. This flight was notable because previous Starship tests were limited to suborbital paths, making Flight 14 the first to place the vehicle into a sustained Earth orbit.
Originally, SpaceX intended a mission duration of nearly 10 hours encompassing about six orbits around Earth. The plan also included a controlled deorbit and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean west of Chile. However, due to the engine issue, the company shortened the mission, completing it in roughly three hours. Before beginning its descent, Starship successfully released all 26 Starlink V3 satellites at an altitude of approximately 270 kilometers.
Starship accomplishes inaugural orbital satellite deployment
This deployment of Starlink satellites signified the first time Starship carried operational satellites into orbit. The V3 series represents a newer generation of SpaceX’s broadband satellites, which demand the increased payload capacity that only Starship can provide. SpaceX confirmed that all 26 satellites separated from the vehicle during the orbital phase. This event also proved Starship’s capacity to carry and deploy a large satellite payload once in the correct orbital environment.
Following stage separation, the Super Heavy booster followed its own return profile. It attempted to perform its planned landing burn over the Gulf of Mexico; however, several engines did not function correctly during descent. The booster ultimately performed a hard splashdown in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Starship reentered Earth’s atmosphere and descended toward the Pacific Ocean north of Hawaii, deviating from its original planned splashdown area west of Chile.
Mission concludes after a three-hour flight with a controlled descent
After approximately three hours, Starship successfully completed its controlled descent and reached the Pacific Ocean. It tipped over upon landing in the water, and flames appeared around the vehicle. SpaceX did not intend to recover either Starship or the Super Heavy booster from the water after this test. Despite the engine malfunction and shorter mission profile, the flight achieved its primary objectives: orbital insertion and deployment of its first operational satellite payload.
NASA also maintains a direct link to Starship through its Artemis lunar program. The agency collaborates with SpaceX on a modified Starship Human Landing System for Artemis III and Artemis IV missions. This lunar version will facilitate transportation of astronauts between lunar orbit and the Moon’s surface. Before Starship can carry crew members under this program, NASA requires an uncrewed lunar demonstration. Flight 14 served as an Earth-orbit test of the standard Starship system and did not include a crew aboard.