SpaceX to launch Starship into Orbit for First Time

The Federal Aviation Administration approved SpaceX’s launch and reentry operations on September 26. During the 14th test flight, SpaceX also plans to deploy 26 of its latest Starlink V3 satellites.

Starship is an important part of SpaceX’s plans to expand its Starlink business. The company currently has around 11,000 active satellites in orbit.

SpaceX designed Starship to be fully reusable and carry more cargo at a lower cost than previous spacecraft. The company is also preparing the rocket for a NASA test flight next year.

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On SpaceX’s earnings call in August, Musk said, “It’s not out of the question that at some point, Starlink will deliver a majority of the world’s internet, at least in countries where we’re allowed to operate, which is the vast majority of countries.”

SpaceX has designed the Starship Super Heavy rocket and booster to be fully reusable and carry more cargo into orbit at a lower cost than earlier spacecraft. None of the previous 13 test flights were planned to reach orbit, but the company hopes the 14th flight will complete an orbit around Earth.

SpaceX is preparing Starship for a major NASA test flight next year and plans to use the rocket to help return U.S. astronauts to the Moon.

SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell said the company also plans to use Starship to launch AI computing satellites into orbit in 2027.

The company’s new V3 satellites are made at its SpaceX facility in Redmond, Washington. They have solar panels that generate twice as much power as earlier versions. The satellites are also larger and designed to provide stronger transmission.

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