Space Exploration Technologies Corp. successfully launched its Starship rocket into orbit for the first time on September 28, 2026. The rocket lifted off from Starbase, Texas, and deployed 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, marking a step toward expanding the company’s global broadband network.
The test flight is a milestone in SpaceX’s plans to make life multi-planetary and is central to NASA’s Artemis program to return humans to the Moon.
Starship’s fully reusable design is expected to lower launch costs. Ahead of the launch, elevated valuation metrics reflected high market expectations for the company’s growth.