SpaceX's Starship reaches orbit after engine issue, to deploy 26 Starlink satellites

SpaceX Starship reaches Earth orbit for the first time after an engine issue, completes its insertion burn and prepares to deploy 26 Starlink satellites.

Updated on: Sep 28, 2026, 19:26:51 IST

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SpaceX’s Starship lifted off and reached Earth’s orbit for the first time, marking a major milestone for the rocket after an engine shut down unexpectedly during its ascent. The spacecraft later completed its orbital insertion burn and is now set to continue its planned mission around Earth.

Starship reaches orbit for first time

This is the first time Starship has entered Earth’s orbit, according to the BBC. Earlier flights had reached space but had not completed this orbital insertion.

The milestone came after one of Starship’s six engines shut down earlier than planned during the climb. The engine issue created uncertainty over whether the spacecraft would continue with the planned orbital mission.

Engine issue creates orbit doubt

After the engine shutdown, SpaceX initially decided not to perform the additional burn needed to put Starship into orbit. The vehicle had already successfully reached space, but the team had to consider whether it was safe to continue with the next stage of the flight.

The engine problem led to discussions within the SpaceX team over whether Starship should be sent around Earth. BBC reported that there was uncertainty about whether the spacecraft would continue with the orbital attempt.

SpaceX confirms orbital mission

SpaceX later confirmed that Starship would continue with the planned orbital mission. The company’s livestream confirmed that the spacecraft would perform the orbital insertion burn despite the earlier engine issue.

The burn allowed Starship to move from its flight path into Earth orbit. BBC reported that the spacecraft was seen entering orbit as the orbital insertion burn began.

Starship to deploy 26 Starlink satellites

Starship is expected to travel around Earth six times during the mission, according to the BBC. The spacecraft is also due to deploy 26 Starlink satellites while in orbit.

The satellites are part of SpaceX’s Starlink network, which provides satellite internet services. Deploying the satellites is one of the key tasks planned for the mission after Starship reached orbit.

The successful insertion burn moved Starship into the orbital phase of the mission, despite the engine shutdown during ascent. BBC reported that SpaceX had initially held back from performing the orbital insertion before later confirming that the mission would continue.

Starship’s first entry into Earth orbit is the main milestone of the flight so far. The spacecraft reached space, faced an unexpected engine shutdown and then completed the burn needed to enter orbit. It will now continue its planned journey around Earth, with the deployment of 26 Starlink satellites among the next major steps.

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