SpaceX sets target for Starship rocket's first orbital mission, Engadget reports

The short version

• SpaceX is targeting September 28 for the 14th flight of its Starship rocket, aiming for its first orbital mission, according to Engadget.[Engadget]
• The 10-hour flight plan includes orbiting Earth six times, deploying 26 Starlink V3 satellites, and splashing down the booster in the Gulf of Mexico.[Engadget]
• SpaceX will not attempt a mechanical tower catch of the Super Heavy booster on this test flight.[Engadget]
• The scheduled launch window remains contingent on obtaining necessary regulatory approval.[Engadget]

Key facts

• SpaceX is targeting September 28 for Starship's 14th test flight, opening a 75-minute window at 8:15 AM Eastern Time.[Engadget]
• The mission aims to be Starship's first orbital flight, reaching an altitude of 171 miles and completing six orbits.[Engadget]
• Starship is scheduled to deploy 26 Starlink V3 satellites, which offer up to 1 Tbps downlink capacity.[Engadget]
• The Super Heavy booster will splash down in the Gulf of Mexico, while the upper stage is planned to re-enter near Chile.[Engadget]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• SpaceX targets September 28 for Starship's first orbital flightEngadget