SpaceX plans to attempt placing the upper stage of its Starship rocket into Earth orbit for the first time during the vehicle’s 14th test flight. The mission is scheduled for September 22 and will also carry the first operational deployment of third-generation Starlink satellites using Starship.
The company confirmed the mission details on its official Flight 14 mission page. The launch window is scheduled to open at 7:15 a.m. CT and remain available for 75 minutes.
First Revenue-Generating Starship Mission
During the flight, SpaceX intends to deploy 26 third-generation Starlink satellites into orbit. The satellites will join the company’s network of roughly 10,000 internet satellites already operating in space.
If successful, the mission will become the first Starship flight to generate launch revenue. Although the payload belongs to another SpaceX business unit, it would mark the first time Starship carries operational commercial satellites into orbit.
The launch follows Starship’s 13th test flight in July, which successfully demonstrated deployment of V3 Starlink satellites. Those satellites were released as part of a test and re-entered Earth’s atmosphere approximately 20 minutes later rather than remaining in orbit.
Major Milestone For Starship Program
Reaching orbit would represent a significant step for a program that has consumed billions of dollars in development spending. SpaceX ultimately intends for Starship to replace both Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy as the company’s primary launch vehicles.
According to reporting by Space.com, Elon Musk has previously said Falcon rockets will be retired once Starship can fly reliably several times per week.
The orbital test also comes as SpaceX works to meet operational targets outlined following its June public listing. Reliable orbital flights and rapid vehicle reuse are considered key components of the company’s long-term launch strategy.
No Catch Attempt Planned
While the mission will test Starship’s ability to reach orbit, SpaceX will not attempt to catch the upper stage using its launch tower. Musk recently backed away from earlier suggestions that such a recovery attempt could take place during Flight 14.
He said the risk of an explosion was too great at this stage of the program. Instead, SpaceX is focusing on achieving a successful orbital flight before pursuing more aggressive recovery objectives.
The company also confirmed it will not attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster. Recent flights have exposed continuing challenges with the booster’s performance after stage separation.
Changes Made Following Flight 13
During Flight 13, the Super Heavy booster experienced difficulties relighting its engines after separating from the upper stage. In response, SpaceX said it has implemented several hardware and software modifications aimed at addressing issues identified during that mission.
The Starship upper stage performed more successfully during the July test. Although it did not reach orbit, it completed its flight profile and conducted a simulated landing in the Indian Ocean.
The vehicle remained largely intact after touching down and did not explode when it tipped into the water. SpaceX subsequently recovered the upper stage and spent months towing it back to Texas for analysis.
Based on data gathered from the recovered vehicle, the company said it has made additional modifications to Starship’s heat shield ahead of Flight 14.
Featured image credits: Wikimedia Commons
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