Starship is a fully reusable launch system consisting of a Super Heavy booster and an upper‑stage vehicle.
The launch took place from SpaceX’s Starbase complex near Brownsville, Texas, along the Gulf of Mexico.
An early engine shutdown could have ended the flight, but engineers rerouted thrust to other engines, achieving orbit.
The 26 Starlink V3 satellites were deployed at an altitude of about 269 kilometres, expanding the broadband network.
After deployment, Starship’s descent ended with a splashdown; a small fire appeared at the base of the vehicle upon water impact.
Engine controllers quickly used the remaining engines to complete the ascent, allowing the mission to continue.
While in orbit, Starship released 26 new Starlink V3 satellites, each capable of delivering much more internet data than earlier versions.
The vehicle then performed a controlled splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, where a brief fire was observed as it hit the water.
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