TOH edition: Tuesday, 29 September 2026 · Science & Technology
Starship Reaches Earth Orbit for the First Time — Bringing the Next Moon Mission One Step Closer
Reported by Scientific American
Publisher date:
Starship entered Earth orbit for the first time, deployed 26 satellites and returned for a controlled ocean splashdown—progress for a spacecraft intended to support future NASA moon missions. The flight ended earlier than planned and did not demonstrate recovery for reuse or the orbital propellant transfers needed for lunar missions.
Sending astronauts to the moon requires difficult capabilities to become dependable. This flight demonstrated orbital flight and controlled return, while leaving major steps toward lunar missions unproven.
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