SpaceX launches Starship on giant rocket's first flight to orbit
Updated on: September 28, 2026 / 7:32 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship achieved its first orbital flight, marking a significant milestone.
- The rocket deployed 26 third-generation Starlink internet satellites during the mission.
- The mission included a Pacific Ocean splashdown for the Starship upper stage after reaching orbit.
- This flight is a critical step towards enabling NASA's Artemis moon landing missions, planned for 2028.
- Despite an engine shutdown, the rocket's design allowed it to reach orbit and complete its primary objectives.
- SpaceX is developing a variant of Starship to serve as a lunar lander for the Artemis program.
- NASA is also funding an alternative lander developed by Blue Origin as a backup for moon missions.