Video | SpaceX spacecraft reaches orbit for first time in history, but flight ends early: 6 things you should know

SpaceX’s Starship entered orbit for the first time on Monday and successfully deployed 26 advanced Starlink satellites, marking a milestone for Elon Musk’s ambitions to expand satellite Internet services and develop spacecraft for future missions to the moon and Mars.

But the company aborted the flight after an engine malfunction, with the spacecraft splashing up in the Pacific Ocean north of Hawaii about three hours after liftoff from Texas.

Read also | Starship Flight 14: Why Launch Matters to Starlink and Musk’s Moon Ambitions

The mission was originally planned to last 10 hours, with the Starship completing six orbits of Earth to demonstrate its readiness for NASA’s Artemis lunar program.

Here’s what you should know about the flight and SpaceX’s next steps.

1. A starship reaches orbit for the first time

SpaceX’s Starship, the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, reached orbit for the first time during Monday’s launch.

The spacecraft nearly failed to reach orbit after one of its engines shut down prematurely. However, flight controllers decided to proceed after the remaining systems continued to function.

“Starship is in orbit,” Mission Control announced and the SpaceX team cheered.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman congratulated SpaceX for achieving orbit and “managing every step of the way in a safe, responsible, and especially inspiring manner.”

2. The rocket will deploy 26 advanced Starlink satellites

The starship launched 26 of Musk’s most advanced Starlink satellites into orbit. They are to join the company’s existing network of 11,000 older models providing Internet services.

The satellites were launched one by one, prompting cheers from the SpaceX team at the Starbase launch.

Read also | SpaceX Starship Begins First Orbital Flight Today: When and Where to Watch

3. Engine problem leads to premature return

SpaceX planned a 10-hour flight involving six laps around the Earth at an altitude of 275 kilometers, followed by a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near Chile.

The SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy v3 Booster lift off on their 14-hour test flight from SpaceX’s launch complex at Starbase, Texas, USA, on September 28, 2026. The mission is expected to send the vehicle into orbit for the first time and deploy 26 Starlink V3 satellites. REUTERS/Steve Nesius TPX PICTURES OF THE DAY(REUTERS)

Although the Starship reached orbit and reached a speed of 17,500 mph (28,000 km/h), flight controllers turned it back after only a few laps.

SpaceX said the decision to end the flight early was made “out of an abundance of caution” following engine problems.

4. SpaceX is focused on full reusability

The 407-foot (124-meter) starship is designed to be fully reusable, a key factor in SpaceX’s plans to lower launch costs.

The company is working to bring the spacecraft back to the starbase where it would be picked up by giant mechanical arms.

BOCA CHICA BEACH, TEXAS – September 28: SpaceX Starship Flight 14 takes off from its launch pad at Boca Chica Beach on September 28, 2026 in Boca Chica Beach, Texas. The goal of the first-ever orbital launch attempt for Flight 14 is to deliver the Starlink Internet satellites into space. Brandon Bell/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Brandon Bell / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP)

Musk said he gives the capture attempt an even or slightly better chance of success. If it works, SpaceX plans to deliver the spacecraft by the end of the year or early next year.

5. The starship’s role in NASA’s Artemis program

SpaceX is working to secure orbital flight certification for Starship, a critical step toward future lunar and Mars missions.

NASA’s Artemis III mission could happen as early as next summer and would include an Orion pod carrying astronauts and competing lunar landers.

Read also | Exclusive-Anthropic warns that artificial intelligence may pose an existential risk to humanity in its IPO filing

A follow-up mission, Artemis IV, is scheduled for 2028 at the earliest, with astronauts expected to land on the moon either aboard a starship or Jeff Bezos’ Blue Moon lander, whichever is ready first.

6. Musk’s long-term plans

Musk originally developed the Starship to transport humans to Mars. For now, SpaceX plans to focus on lunar missions and use the spacecraft to deploy large numbers of satellites into orbit.

The company also plans to retire its Falcon 9 rocket within a few years. A second Starship launch site is nearing completion at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, while a third is planned for Louisiana.