SpaceX Starship Reaches Orbit Deploys Satellites

SpaceX’s Starship has reached orbit for the first time and begun deploying satellites, marking a major milestone in the development of the company’s next-generation launch system.

The 14th integrated test flight lifted off from Starbase, Texas, before the upper stage entered orbit and released 26 Starlink V3 satellites at an altitude of roughly 269 kilometres. One of Starship’s engines shut down earlier than planned during the ascent, but the spacecraft continued on its orbital trajectory.

The flight represents Starship’s first operational satellite deployment and brings the vehicle closer to a broader role within SpaceX’s launch programme. Until now, the company has relied largely on its Falcon 9 rockets to expand the Starlink broadband network.

The larger V3 satellites are designed to provide substantially more data capacity than the V2 Mini spacecraft currently in orbit. Starship’s greater payload capability is expected to allow SpaceX to launch larger batches, with the company ultimately targeting missions carrying as many as 60 V3 satellites.

Starship is also being developed for missions beyond Starlink. NASA has selected a version of the spacecraft as the lunar lander for its Artemis programme, while SpaceX plans to use the system for commercial launches and other heavy payloads.

The flight will continue with further orbital operations before Starship attempts a controlled re-entry and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Data gathered during the mission will be used to support subsequent test flights.

Monday’s launch advances Starship from experimental testing towards operational deployment, with satellite launches now becoming part of the programme’s development path.