SpaceX Starship orbital test program 2026
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SpaceX prepares to send Starship rocket to orbit for first time
None of the 13 earlier test flights of Starship were intended to make it into orbit.
SpaceX has designed its Starship Super Heavy rocket and booster to be fully reusable.
The FAA issued a license authorization for the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy Flight 14 launch and reentry operations on Sept. 26.
Recap of SpaceX's 13 Starship test flights
The 14th mission is set to complete approximately six orbits around the planet over a 10-hour flight.
If successful, the 14th flight will be the first Starship to go in orbit around the Earth.
SpaceX is planning to carry out its 14th Starship rocket test flight on Monday.
SpaceX announces Starship Flight 14 orbital test launch timeline for Sept. 28
Flight 14 will be the third flight of SpaceX's new Starship Version 3.
SpaceX will not try to catch the Starship Super Heavy booster or the Ship upper stage on this flight.
Alternate launch dates are available on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30.