Houston, we don’t have a problem? SpaceX’s Starship reaches orbit for first time despite engine failure

SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket reached orbit for the first time on Monday, achieving a key milestone despite an engine failure during flight that initially cast doubt on the mission’s success.

The uncrewed 40-story-tall vehicle lifted off at around 7:46 a.m. CT from SpaceX’s Starbase facility near Brownsville, Texas. The rocket consists of a Super Heavy booster topped by the main upper-stage Starship vessel.

During the flight, one engine failed in space, prompting initial uncertainty about whether the mission would proceed to orbit. A SpaceX spokesperson initially stated the company had not made a final call on whether to continue to orbit. The company later confirmed Starship was “go for orbit” despite the missing engine and announced the vehicle successfully reached orbit.

The mission marks Starship’s 14th launch and represents the rocket’s debut flight to orbit and first operational release of satellites. SpaceX designed Starship to launch the company’s Starlink satellites more frequently and carry future NASA missions to the moon.