SpaceX launched its Starship rocket into orbit for the first time on Monday, a historic test flight for the largest rocket ever built, which is intended to carry NASA missions to the Moon and beyond.
Key facts
- SpaceX launched Starship into orbit for the first time early Monday.
- Starship is the largest rocket ever built, according to Al Jazeera.
- All previous Starship flights had been suborbital, according to the BBC.
- The rocket is meant to carry a NASA mission to the Moon and beyond.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched a historic test flight of its massive Starship rocket early Monday, sending the vehicle into orbit for the first time, according to CNBC.
Al Jazeera described Starship as the largest rocket ever built and said it is meant to carry a NASA mission to the Moon and beyond, underscoring the ambitions attached to the program.
The achievement marks a significant step for the vehicle. Until now, all Starship flights had been suborbital, meaning the capsules did not complete a loop around the Earth, according to the BBC. Reaching orbit demonstrates the rocket can complete a full circuit of the planet.
Ahead of the launch, CNBC reported that SpaceX was poised to attempt the historic test flight early Monday. The company confirmed the launch later in the day, with CNBC reporting that the rocket had been sent into orbit for the first time.
The BBC published video of the launch, showing Starship lifting off and reaching orbit. The milestone represents a key demonstration of the vehicle’s capabilities as SpaceX continues developing it for future missions.
Why it matters
Starship is central to plans to return astronauts to the Moon and to SpaceX's longer-term ambitions for deep-space travel. Reaching orbit for the first time is a major technical milestone after a series of suborbital test flights, signaling progress toward those goals.
Frequently asked questions
What is Starship?
Starship is SpaceX's rocket, described by Al Jazeera as the largest rocket ever built. It is meant to carry a NASA mission to the Moon and beyond.
Why is this launch significant?
Until now, all Starship flights had been suborbital, meaning the capsules did not complete a loop around the Earth, according to the BBC. This flight was the first to reach orbit.
When did the launch take place?
SpaceX launched the test flight early Monday, according to CNBC, with the launch confirmed on September 28, 2026.