SpaceX Starship reaches orbit for first time

Key facts

• SpaceX's Starship rocket reached Earth orbit for the first time on September 28, 2026.
• The mission launched from SpaceX's Starbase complex in Texas.
• One of the rocket's six Raptor engines shut down earlier than planned.
• SpaceX initially considered aborting the mission but proceeded after engineers confirmed orbital capability.
• The Starship upper stage was expected to complete six Earth orbits over 10 hours.
• The Super Heavy booster performed a simulated landing over the water.

SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully reached Earth orbit for the first time on Monday, September 28, 2026, following a launch from its Starbase complex in Texas. The milestone was achieved despite the loss of one of the rocket's six Raptor engines shortly after the upper stage separated from the booster. Initially, SpaceX considered aborting the mission due to the engine failure, but spokesperson Dan Huot reversed course after an update from engineers confirmed the craft could still attempt a key engine firing to boost it into orbit.

Reaching orbit is a critical step for SpaceX, potentially enabling regular commercial missions and moving the company closer to its goal of making Starship fully reusable. CEO Elon Musk has made Starship central to the company's strategic plans, including support for NASA's moon missions and the deployment of Starlink satellites. Prior to the launch, the plan was for the Starship upper stage to orbit the Earth six times over 10 hours. The Super Heavy booster stage also performed a simulated landing over the water, described as the cleanest simulated landing yet for the V3 version of Starship.