Space launch

SpaceX Starship Test Flights: From the First Launch to Orbit

NASA selected a Starship-derived Human Landing System in 2021, making Starship’s ability to reach orbit, transfer cryogenic propellant and operate with Orion central to the Artemis program. After early launch failures and FAA-directed corrective actions, SpaceX achieved controlled splashdowns, booster tower catches, in-space engine relights, payload deployments and, on Flight 14 in September 2026, its first orbital flight and deployment of 26 Starlink V3 satellites.