# Starship Achieves Orbit Then Explodes

> SpaceX's Starship makes history with first orbit before exploding post-splashdown
- Title: Starship Achieves Orbit Then Explodes · Dallas Express
- Summary: SpaceX's Starship makes history with first orbit before exploding post-splashdown Starship completed first orbital flight but exploded after landing in…
- Keywords: starship, spacex, nasa, artemis, starlink, lunar lander, reentry testing, super heavy, news, politics, Achieves, Orbit
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/state/spacex-starship-reaches-orbit-for-first-time-on-14th-flight
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-09-28T17:00:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: starship, spacex, nasa, artemis, starlink, lunar lander, reentry testing, super heavy, news, politics
## First Orbit Milestone
SpaceX Starship reached orbit for the first time on its 14th test flight from South Texas

> Starship is orbital
## Splashdown and Explosion
The spacecraft splashed down intact in the Pacific before toppling and exploding
## Engine Shutdown Issue
One engine shut down early during ascent but mission controllers proceeded to enter orbit
## Starlink Satellite Deployment
Starship deployed 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites to expand broadband internet
## Reusability Goals
SpaceX aims to reuse the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage for cost reduction
## NASA Moon Mission Plans
NASA plans Artemis III for 2027 to test lunar lander docking with Starship
## Key takeaway

Starship completed first orbital flight but exploded after landing in Pacific