SpaceX Starship Reaches Earth Orbit for First Time
SpaceX launched its Starship spacecraft on Monday. It reached Earth orbit for the first time.
This was Starship's 14th test flight. The launch happened at Starbase in Texas.
One of Starship's six engines failed during liftoff. But the spacecraft still reached orbit.
SpaceX checked if it could return safely first. The flight also released 26 Starlink satellites.
It was shortened from about 10 hours to three. No crew was onboard during the flight.
Earlier test flights only reached suborbital space. Starship is called the largest rocket ever built.
It aims to support NASA's Artemis moon program. The flight could help future trips to the moon and Mars.
Klear Note — Orbit means traveling around Earth; suborbital flights do not complete one. Starship is intended to support NASA's Artemis moon program.
Key Terms 4
- Starbase SpaceX's rocket launch site in Texas.
- Starlink SpaceX's network of internet satellites.
- suborbital Flight that reaches space but not full orbit.
- Artemis NASA's program to send astronauts back to the moon.