SpaceX Starship successfully achieves orbit for the first time

On March 14, 2024, SpaceX launched the third Starship integrated flight test from Starbase Launch Facility in Boca Chia, Texas, and achieved orbit for the first time.

This is major progress made by the rocket company and will pave the way for more Starship launches with the help of the latest data from this test mission.

Liftoff:

With favorable weather and all of the pre-flight launch preparations, SpaceX conducted the liftoff on time without being affected by the high winds.

Stage separation

After MECO, Stage separation was conducted as planned and both stages separated, while the second stage fired its 6 raptor engine to take the flight into orbit.

First Stage

The first stage completed its boost backburn but didn’t survive the landing.

Second stage milestones

SpaceX has confirmed two milestones including the payload door opening and in-orbit propellant loading demonstrations. The vehicle has skipped raptor engine relighting but its plasma shield worked quite well on its way toward the Earth. Eventually, the vehicle lost contact before splashing down in the Ocean.

The article will be updated…