SpaceX Starship Flight 14 reached Earth orbit for the first time today, marking a major milestone for the company’s next-generation rocket programme. The achievement came despite an engine problem that briefly raised doubts over whether Starship could complete orbital insertion.The rocket lifted off from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in South Texas. Initial ascent and stage separation proceeded as planned, but the Starship upper stage lost one of its six Raptor engines shortly after separating from the Super Heavy booster.

Mission controllers initially halted plans for orbital insertion before deciding the spacecraft could continue safely.Starship subsequently completed the engine burn required to reach orbit. The achievement was significant because the previous 13 integrated Starship test flights had followed suborbital trajectories rather than completing orbital insertion.

SpaceX Starship Marks First Operational Satellite Deployment

SpaceX Starship Flight 14 also carried 26 third-generation Starlink satellites. Deployment began after the spacecraft entered orbit, representing Starship’s first deployment of operational satellites. The mission demonstrates how the massive rocket could eventually support larger Starlink launches and other heavy payload missions.Meanwhile, the Super Heavy booster returned toward the Texas Gulf Coast and performed a simulated landing over water. SpaceX did not attempt to catch the booster using its launch tower during this flight. The manoeuvre tested engine burns and descent procedures needed for future recoveries.

The planned mission called for Starship to remain in orbit for nearly 10 hours and complete about six trips around Earth at roughly 275 kilometres altitude. SpaceX then planned a deorbit burn followed by atmospheric re-entry and a controlled splashdown in the Pacific Ocean west of Chile.Flight 14 is particularly important for SpaceX’s reusable rocket ambitions. Engineers will evaluate engine performance, flight controls and heat-shield behaviour during the extended mission. The results could influence future Starship satellite launches and missions supporting NASA’s lunar exploration programme