FLIGHT ARCHIVE / MISSION REPORT
The orbital chapter.
Starship reached orbit for the first time and deployed 26 satellites. Engine issues prompted a shorter coast and an alternate Pacific landing zone.
LAUNCH / SEATTLE TIME28 SEP 202605:48 PDT
MISSION HIGHLIGHT26V3 satellites · orbital deployment
HARDWARES41 / B21Ship / Super Heavy
Intent meets reality.
| OBJECTIVE | PLAN | RESULT |
|---|---|---|
| Orbit | Orbital insertion | Achieved |
| Payload | Deploy 26 satellites | Deployed; contact with all |
| Ship return | Deorbit and splashdown | Alternate Pacific zone used |
| Booster return | Landing sequence | Gulf splashdown |
What worked
Orbital insertion, satellite deployment, deorbit, and ship landing sequence completed.
Lessons & anomalies
One booster engine shut down during ascent; boostback and landing used fewer engines than planned. A ship vacuum engine shut down early; the other engines compensated. Post-landing booster termination was a planned safety demonstration.