SpaceX’s Starship reached Earth orbit for the first time on its 14th test flight on 28 September. The milestone marks a major step for the world’s largest rocket.

According to reports, the upper stage deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites, with SpaceX confirming contact with all 26. One of the six Raptor engines shut down during ascent, but the flight continued to orbit.

Starship splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after a flight of about three hours. The test validated key systems needed for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk congratulated the team on the achievement. The company will now analyse flight data as it prepares for the next test.

Starship is designed to be fully reusable, a key goal for cutting launch costs. NASA plans to use the vehicle for its Artemis Moon missions later this decade. Data from the flight will guide the next test.