Science & Space
SpaceX Starship deploys satellites after reaching orbit
SpaceX's Starship megarocket deployed Starlink satellites after reaching orbit for the first time on Monday during its 14th test flight.
A livestream showed next-generation satellites slowly exiting the Starship upper stage, adding to Elon Musk's satellite internet constellation.
The published flight plan for the test called for Starship to deploy 26 next-generation Starlink satellites, orbit Earth several times and finish in the Pacific Ocean. The earlier launch plan also called for the Super Heavy booster to fall into the Gulf of Mexico, with no catch attempt planned.
Starship launched from Texas on the first test flight aimed at reaching Earth orbit. SpaceX has described the rocket as the largest ever built, at more than 120 metres tall.
Previous Starship tests were conducted on less demanding suborbital trajectories, and several ended in explosions. SpaceX hopes the vehicle can eventually become fully reusable and support future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Update
Starship reached orbit for the first time.
Starship deployed Starlink satellites after reaching orbit.
A livestream showed next-generation satellites exiting the Starship upper stage.
Source note: AFP news report published on 28 September 2026 at 13:36:32 UTC.
Update
Starship reached orbit for the first time about 26 minutes after launch.
The launch team decided to perform a second burn to reach orbit after initially launching on a suborbital trajectory.
Satellite deployment began minutes after Starship reached orbit.
The Super Heavy booster fell into the Gulf of Mexico shortly after launch.
Source note: AFP news report published on 28 September 2026 at 13:48:29 UTC.
Update
SpaceX's Starship lifted off from Texas on its 14th test flight.
The test flight is aiming for Earth orbit.
The rocket lifted off shortly after 8:48 am, stated as 1248 GMT.
The rocket is described as more than 120 metres tall and the largest ever built.
Source note: AFP news report published on 28 September 2026 at 12:59:14 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The item says Starship deployed satellites but does not state whether all 26 planned satellites were deployed.
The item does not state whether the full planned test flight was completed.
Source
AFP news report published on .