SpaceX launches historic first orbital Starship mission

SpaceX has launched Starship on its first orbital flight, marking a major milestone for the world’s largest and most powerful rocket and spacecraft.

According to ABC News, the company’s 14th Starship test flight lifted off Monday from Starbase in Cameron County, Texas.

Despite losing one engine during ascent, Starship successfully completed its orbital insertion burn. The mission is expected to last nearly 10 hours and complete about six orbits around Earth.

SpaceX also plans to deploy 26 Starlink V3 satellites, potentially making the flight Starship’s first revenue-generating mission. Previous tests carried simulators or satellites designed to burn up.

The Super Heavy booster separated after launch, performed a boostback manoeuvre and successfully splashed down in the Gulf.

Starship is expected to travel about 17,500 mph at more than 170 miles above Earth before performing a deorbit burn and splashing down in the Pacific Ocean west of Chile.