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SpaceX targets Sept. 22 for Starship’s first orbital test, with 26 Starlink V3 satellites

SpaceX said it is targeting Sept. 22 for Starship’s first attempt to reach orbit. The roughly 10-hour mission is also expected to deploy 26 V3 Starlink satellites, combining a major test of the vehicle’s orbital capability with the first launch of a new-generation constellation spacecraft.

Discovered 2026-09-15T11:22:00.188169-07:00 | 2026-09-15T11:22:00.188169-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

Reaching orbit would represent a significant milestone for Starship and its launch-vehicle development program.
The mission is designed to deploy 26 V3 Starlink satellites, linking Starship’s test campaign to SpaceX’s satellite-network expansion.
The planned roughly 10-hour flight will provide an important demonstration of Starship’s ability to perform an orbital mission.

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