SpaceX launches Starship into orbit for first time, deploys next-gen Starlink satellites

(by Addie Davis, OANN) – SpaceX’s Starship reached orbit for the first time on Monday before deploying a batch of next-generation Starlink satellites and splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.

Starship, referring collectively to the spacecraft upper stage and the Super Heavy booster rocket, launched from Texas. After delivering the upper stage into space, the Super Heavy booster returned for a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of America.

Upon achieving orbit, Starship deployed its payload of more than two dozen Starlink V3 satellites, which the company said are designed with increased capacity, data density and power generation — compared to the thousands of Starlink satellites already in orbit.

Originally scheduled for a 10-hour mission, Starship was reportedly brought down early, completing a three-hour flight before reentering the atmosphere and splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.

SpaceX explained that Monday’s launch marked the first time Starship went into orbit, as other flight tests had flown suborbital trajectories.

“By going to orbit, the next phase of developing Starship to be fully and rapidly reusable can begin,” the company said.

The Starship launch system is being designed to be fully reusable with long-term goals of carrying “both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond.” Described as “the world’s most powerful launch vehicle ever developed,” Starship has the capacity to carry more than 100 metric tons and stands at a height of over 400 feet.

SpaceX pointed to the planned future of Starship as space companies have been partnering with the NASA to further space exploration and innovation.

“As the most powerful launch system ever developed, Starship will be able to carry up to 100 people on long-duration, interplanetary flights,” the company said. “Starship will also help enable satellite delivery, the development of a Moon base, and point-to-point transport here on Earth.”

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman also took to X on Monday to congratulate the mission’s success.

“Congrats [SpaceX]! Gorgeous launch, getting Ship to orbit and managing every step in a safe, responsible, and especially inspirational way,” Isaacman said. “[NASA], along with the rest of the interested public, is excited to help where we can and for Starship missions to become routine!”

(The launch marks Starship’s 14th test flight and its first attempt to reach orbit, a major step beyond previous suborbital missions that ended with splashdowns about an hour after liftoff. All Starship flights so far have been uncrewed).

Read a description of the launch and eventual splashdown at spacex.com).

Published at One America News Network on Sept. 28. Reprinted here for educational purposes only. May not be reproduced on other websites without permission.