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SpaceX Starship Reaches Orbit for First Time
TEXAS: SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket reached orbit for the first time on Monday, overcoming an unexpected engine shutdown during flight and successfully deploying its first batch of next-generation Starlink satellites.
The mission was shortened from the planned 10 hours to around three hours after the engine problem.
Engine Shutdown Forces Mission Changes
The uncrewed, 40-story vehicle launched from SpaceX’s Starbase complex in Texas.
After reaching space, one of Starship’s three main engines shut down earlier than expected. SpaceX initially said the vehicle would not attempt to reach orbit.
However, engineers later determined that Starship could carry out another engine firing to enter orbit. The spacecraft successfully completed the manoeuvre.
26 Starlink Satellites Deployed
Once in orbit, Starship deployed 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites individually at an altitude of approximately 269 kilometres.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said the satellites were operating normally after deployment.
The new V3 satellites are designed to provide substantially greater data capacity than the company’s previous V2 mini satellites.
Controlled Landing in the Pacific
After completing its orbital objectives, Starship began its controlled descent toward the Pacific Ocean.
During the final manoeuvre, the spacecraft flipped into a vertical position before reaching the water. Fire was visible around the base as the vehicle touched down and subsequently tipped over.
SpaceX had not planned to recover the spacecraft from the ocean after the mission.
Super Heavy Booster Also Returns
The Super Heavy booster separated from the upper-stage Starship and returned toward the Gulf of Mexico.
The booster performed a controlled splashdown, although SpaceX reported that some of its engines stopped functioning during the descent.
Major Milestone for Starship
Monday’s flight marked the first time Starship reached orbit after 13 previous test flights remained suborbital.
The achievement represents a major test milestone for a vehicle SpaceX is developing for frequent satellite launches and future human spaceflight missions.
SpaceX has said Starship is intended to eventually support much higher launch frequencies than conventional rockets.
Starlink Expansion
Starship is expected to play an important role in expanding SpaceX’s Starlink broadband satellite network.
The company plans to launch larger batches of V3 satellites once Starship enters routine operations. The newer satellites are designed to provide significantly greater data-handling capacity than earlier generations.
Role in NASA’s Artemis Programme
Starship is also being developed for missions connected to NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon and establish a longer-term human presence there.
The spacecraft is expected to serve as a key component of future lunar missions, with eventual human exploration of Mars also among SpaceX’s stated long-term objectives.
