SpaceX to launch Starship to orbit with Starlink satellites
SpaceX will attempt the first orbital flight of its reusable Starship with a launch window opening at 7.15am CDT on 22 September from Starbase, Texas. The 14th test flight is planned to reach 275 kilometres, complete six orbits over ten hours and release 26 working Starlink V3 satellites, with re-entry and splashdown targeted in the Pacific west of Chile. The mission is the first Starship flight intended to carry operational payloads and includes three satellites that will image the vehicle's heat shield; previous tests experienced booster engine relight failures and no controlled landings are planned for this flight.
Starship will attempt first orbital release of working Starlink V3 satellites.
Context
There have been 13 earlier Starship test flights, all sub-orbital. The company now plans an orbital test that could lead to Starship carrying commercial payloads if it succeeds. If the flight succeeds, SpaceX may use Starship more for…
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