SpaceX prepares for first orbital test flight of Starship rocket
SpaceX is scheduled to conduct a test flight of its Starship rocket from Texas. The mission aims to reach Earth's orbit and deploy 26 Starlink satellites during a 10-hour flight.
First reported 5 hours ago · latest update 36 minutes ago
SpaceX's Starship, poised for a bid to reach orbit and deploy 26 satellites. Photo / Getty Images
Three years after its first test flight, SpaceX’s Starship rocket will attempt on Monday to enter Earth’s orbit, a key step in the development of the massive launch vehicle designed for future missions to the moon and Mars.
On the heels of its high-profile initial public offering in June, Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans to shift into high gear with a 14th test flight featuring ambitious goals.
The test, expected to last about 10 hours, will involve the upper stage of the experimental rocket flying into Earth orbit and deploying 26 next-generation Starlink satellites there – if all goes well.
But the launch, scheduled to take place in Texas starting at 7.15am local time, could hold surprises, as multiple previous tests have ended in spectacular explosions.
After several years of development and testing in Texas, SpaceX began flying the rocket in its full configuration in 2023, deliberately following suborbital trajectories, which are safer and less challenging.
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SpaceX aims to put Starship in orbit for the first time
The test aims to put Starship in orbit and deploy 26 Starlink satellites.
2 hours ago · Charlotte CausitSpaceX to attempt putting Starship rocket into Earth orbit for first time
Space X on Monday will attempt to launch its Starship rocket from Texas into Earth's orbit in a 10-hour flight which would deploy 26 Starlink satellites and would represent a milestone in the development of the massive launch vehicle. But the success of the launch is uncertain, as many previous tests have failed.
2 hours ago · FRANCE 24SpaceX prepares to send Starship rocket to orbit for first time
Elon Musk's SpaceX is poised to launch a historic test flight of its massive Starship rocket early Monday.
5 hours agoSpaceX aims to put Starship in orbit for the first time
Three years after its first test flight, SpaceX's Starship rocket will attempt Monday to enter Earth orbit, a key step in developing the massive launch vehicle for future missions to the moon and Mars.
36 minutes ago