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SpaceX's Starship rocket is in the spotlight, with coverage of the company's test flight program, including a roundup of its 13 Starship test flights and reports that SpaceX is preparing to send the rocket to orbit. The heavy-lift vehicle, central to NASA's lunar plans and Elon Musk's Mars ambitions, continues to attract scrutiny after a mix of progress and setbacks in testing.
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SpaceX has launched its Starship rocket toward orbit, a test flight with major stakes for the company's ambitions in deep space and for NASA's plans to return astronauts to the Moon. The launch is drawing wide attention across the US and UK, with commentators focusing on how much rides on the vehicle's success.
- 3SpaceX Starship launches on first orbital mission from Texas▼SpaceX’s Starship launches on first orbital mission from Texas
SpaceX launched its Starship on its first orbital mission from its Starbase facility in Texas. The flight marks a major milestone for the company's next-generation rocket, which is central to plans for deep space travel and NASA's lunar ambitions. The launch drew widespread attention as the largest and most powerful rocket system to attempt an orbital-class mission.
- 4SpaceX launches Starship on first orbital flight test●SpaceX successfully launches Starship's 1st orbital flight test
SpaceX has launched its Starship rocket on its first orbital flight test from Starbase in Texas, a milestone for the company's next-generation launch system. The flight marks the first combined test of the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage, a vehicle central to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the Moon and to Elon Musk's long-term goal of missions to Mars.
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NASA has cancelled the Mars Sample Return mission, the long-planned effort to bring rocks collected by the Perseverance rover back to Earth. The programme had suffered years of cost overruns and schedule delays, with independent reviews estimating costs well above initial projections. The move leaves the future of returning Martian material to laboratories on Earth in serious doubt, and scientists are weighing what the cancellation means for Mars exploration.
- 6SpaceX's Starship Prepares for First Orbital Flight●SpaceX’s Starship Is Set to Make Its First Orbital Flight
SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, is preparing for its first orbital test flight. The mission marks a major milestone for Elon Musk's company and for NASA's plans to return astronauts to the Moon. A successful launch would demonstrate capabilities no current rocket possesses, though the trial carries significant risk of failure.
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SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, has reached orbit for the first time, marking a major milestone in spaceflight after a series of test flights that ended in earlier failures or suborbital trajectories. The achievement paves the way for future deep space missions, including NASA's lunar plans.
- 8Artemis II prepares for first crewed moon mission in 50 years▼Artemis II's moon mission is the 1st in more than 50 years. Why did it take the US so long to return?
NASA's Artemis II mission is set to return astronauts to the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972, prompting questions about why the gap lasted more than five decades. Commentators point to shifting political priorities, soaring costs, and the cancellation of earlier programs like Constellation as reasons the US pause extended so long.
- 9NASA unveils $20 billion moon base strategy▼NASA unveils ambitious $20 billion moon base strategy: What to know
NASA has laid out plans for a permanent moon base costing an estimated $20 billion, according to ABC News. The strategy would establish a long-term human presence on the lunar surface, building on the Artemis program. Details of the timeline, funding and partners remain under scrutiny as observers weigh what the ambitious proposal would require.
- 10SpaceX prepares Starship's first orbital flight test▼SpaceX to attempt Starship's 1st orbital flight test
SpaceX is preparing to attempt the first orbital flight test of its Starship, the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, from its Starbase facility in Texas. The test is a key milestone in the company's push toward reusable deep-space transport, with NASA counting on a Starship variant to land astronauts on the Moon under the Artemis program.
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SpaceX has launched its Starship rocket toward orbit for the first time, a milestone for the company's next-generation heavy-lift vehicle. The test flight marks the first attempt to send the spacecraft on an orbital trajectory, a key step in Elon Musk's plans for lunar and Mars missions and NASA's Artemis program.
- 12SpaceX Starship Officially Reaches Orbit in Milestone Flight●A SpaceX Starship Rocket Officially Reached Orbit. Why That's So Significant
A SpaceX Starship rocket has officially reached orbit, a milestone Time Magazine describes as highly significant for spaceflight. The achievement marks major progress for the vehicle at the centre of NASA's plans to return astronauts to the Moon and for Elon Musk's long-term goal of missions to Mars. Reaching orbit demonstrates key capabilities needed for future deep-space missions.
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SpaceX has launched its Starship rocket on its first orbital flight test, a milestone for the company's next-generation launch system. The flight, conducted from SpaceX's facility in Texas, is being watched as a key step toward future deep-space missions, including NASA's lunar plans. Details about how the test unfolded are still emerging, and reaction is focused on what the outcome means for the program.
- 14SpaceX Starship lifts off in make-or-break orbital test flight▼SpaceX’s Starship lifts off in make-or-break orbital test flight
SpaceX launched its Starship spacecraft on a crucial orbital test flight, a mission widely described as make-or-break for the company's next-generation rocket program. The test is a key step in SpaceX's efforts to prove the vehicle can reach orbit and eventually support deep-space missions, including NASA's plans to return humans to the Moon.
- 15Starship to attempt first orbital flight▼Starship, world's most powerful spacecraft, to launch in attempt to orbit Earth for first time
SpaceX's Starship, the most powerful spacecraft ever built, is preparing for a launch that would attempt to reach Earth orbit for the first time. A successful flight would mark a major milestone for the rocket program, which is central to SpaceX's ambitions for deep space travel and NASA's plans to return astronauts to the Moon.
- 16SpaceX's Starship rocket reaches orbit for first time▼‘Starship is in orbit’: cheers go up as huge SpaceX rocket circles Earth for first time
SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, has circled Earth in orbit for the first time, prompting cheers from the company's team. The milestone is a major step for Elon Musk's reusable rocket programme, which NASA plans to use for future lunar missions. Space watchers worldwide have been celebrating and debating what the achievement means for the future of spaceflight.
- 17SpaceX Starship megapocket to launch to orbit for first time▼SpaceX's Starship megarocket launching to orbit for 1st time ever today: Watch it live
SpaceX is preparing its Starship megarocket for its first-ever attempt to reach orbit, with the launch available to watch live. The uncrewed test flight from Starbase, Texas, marks a major milestone for the most powerful rocket ever built, which NASA plans to use for future Artemis moon missions. Space enthusiasts and industry watchers are following the countdown closely, as the debut orbital test carries high expectations for SpaceX's next-generation launch system.
- 18SpaceX Starship launches on first orbital mission from Texas▼SpaceX's Starship launches on first orbital mission from Texas https://www.npr.org/2026/09/28/nx-s1-5983418/spacex-stars
SpaceX launched its Starship rocket on its first orbital mission from Starbase in Texas, according to NPR reporting. The flight marks a major milestone for the company's next-generation launch system, which NASA has tapped for future lunar missions. Details about the mission's duration and outcome remain limited in available reporting.
- 19SpaceX's supersized Starship launches into orbit for first time●SpaceX’s supersized Starship launches into orbit for the first time
SpaceX has successfully launched its supersized Starship into orbit for the first time, marking a milestone for the largest and most powerful rocket ever built. The test flight is being closely watched as a key step toward future deep-space missions, including NASA's plans to return astronauts to the Moon and eventual human travel to Mars.
- 20SpaceX Starship reaches orbit despite engine failure●SpaceX's Starship reaches orbit despite engine issue
SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, reached orbit during a test flight despite an engine problem during ascent. The milestone marks a major step forward for the vehicle that NASA plans to use for future Moon missions, and analysts are highlighting the rocket's resilience even with one engine underperforming.
- 21SpaceX's Starship Reaches Orbit for the First Time●SpaceX’s Starship Makes It to Orbit for the First Time
SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, has completed a flight reaching orbit for the first time. The milestone marks a major step in the company's effort to develop a fully reusable spacecraft for missions to the Moon and Mars, and observers are closely watching what the achievement means for NASA's lunar plans and the future of heavy-lift spaceflight.
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SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, has completed a flight reaching orbit for the first time. The milestone marks a major step forward for the vehicle that NASA plans to use for future lunar missions and that Elon Musk envisions for trips to Mars.
- 23SpaceX's Starship Rocket Heads To Orbit With Much At Stake▼SpaceX’s Starship Rocket Is Heading To Orbit–With A Lot On The Line
SpaceX is launching its Starship rocket toward orbit in a high-stakes test flight. The mission is a critical milestone for the company's most powerful rocket, with major implications for future deep-space ambitions and NASA plans. Observers are watching closely to see whether the vehicle can reach orbit and demonstrate the capabilities SpaceX has been developing.
- 24SpaceX readies Starship for first orbital flight attempt▼SpaceX prepares to launch Starship on first planned flight into Earth orbit
SpaceX is preparing to launch its Starship rocket on its first planned flight into Earth orbit, a milestone test for the vehicle designed for missions to the Moon and Mars. The uncrewed flight would be the first time Starship flies as a full stack, with the Super Heavy booster and upper stage together. Success would mark a major step for Elon Musk's company and for NASA's lunar plans, which rely on a Starship variant.
- 25SpaceX Aims First Starship Orbital Flight at Testing Critical Systems▼SpaceX Planned Starship’s First Orbital Flight to Test Its Critical Systems
SpaceX has planned Starship's first orbital flight with the primary goal of testing the vehicle's critical systems. The test flight is intended to gather data on the rocket's performance under real launch conditions, a key step toward future deep-space missions. Space watchers are following the mission closely as Starship underpins NASA's Artemis lunar plans and SpaceX's long-term ambitions.
- 26SpaceX Starship reaches Earth orbit for first time●SpaceX Starship enters Earth orbit for first time in major milestone
SpaceX's Starship has entered Earth orbit for the first time, a major milestone for the company's next-generation launch system. The achievement marks significant progress in the rocket's development, which is central to NASA's plans for lunar missions and Elon Musk's ambitions for deep-space travel. Observers are closely watching what the flight means for future Starship missions.
- 27Next Crewed Boeing Starliner Flight Pushed to 2028●Next Crewed Boeing Starliner Flight Not Until 2028
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is not expected to carry astronauts again until 2028, according to a new report on the program's status. The capsule has been grounded since its 2024 crewed test flight returned without its NASA astronauts due to thruster problems. The delay means SpaceX will continue carrying crews to the International Space Station for the foreseeable future.
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A SpaceX Starship test mission has ended with the vehicle breaking apart and burning during flight. Al Jazeera reports the spacecraft met a fiery end, though no further details about the flight stage, timing or consequences are given in the coverage available. Starship test flights frequently end in destruction as part of SpaceX's iterative development programme, and each failure draws wide attention given the rocket's role in future lunar and Mars plans.
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SpaceX has carried out a launch of its Starship rocket, the largest and most powerful rocket ever built. Footage of the liftoff circulated widely, with viewers reacting to the scale of the vehicle and the progress of Elon Musk's company toward reusable deep-space flight. Starship is central to NASA's plans to return astronauts to the Moon and to Musk's long-term goal of reaching Mars.
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SpaceX's Starship has returned to Earth, splashing down after its latest flight test. The rocket's descent into the ocean marks another milestone in the company's program to develop the massive spacecraft for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Reactions are focused on how the vehicle performed during reentry and landing, and what the results mean for upcoming test flights and NASA's lunar plans.
- 31US Mars Sample Return mission killed in funding deal●Mars Sample Return mission is dead in the latest funding agreement. Which means China will likely beat the US to returni
NASA's Mars Sample Return mission has been cut in the latest US funding agreement, leaving the Perseverance rover's collected samples stranded on Mars indefinitely. Observers say China's Tianwen-3 mission is now likely to return the first Martian samples to Earth, marking a major setback for American leadership in space exploration.
- 32SpaceX's Starship Reaches Orbit for the First Time●SpaceX’s Starship Reaches Orbit for the First Time
SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, has reached orbit for the first time. The milestone marks a major step in the company's efforts to develop a fully reusable spacecraft for missions to the Moon and Mars. Coverage is focused on the technical achievement and what it means for future NASA lunar plans and deep space exploration.
- 33SpaceX's Starship nears make-or-break orbital test flight▼Will SpaceX's Starship finally make it to orbit? We're about to find out
SpaceX is preparing for a Starship test flight that could see the massive rocket reach orbit for the first time. The upcoming launch is being closely watched, as previous attempts ended before completing a full orbital demonstration. A successful flight would mark a major milestone for SpaceX's plans for deep space missions and for NASA's lunar ambitions.
- 34SpaceX readies Starship for first orbital launch attempt▼SpaceX prepares Starship rocket for first orbital launch (SPCX:NASDAQ)
SpaceX is preparing its Starship rocket for its first orbital launch attempt. The flight would mark a major milestone for the company's next-generation, fully reusable heavy-lift rocket, which is central to NASA's Moon plans and Elon Musk's long-term ambitions for missions to Mars. Observers are watching closely for a launch date and for whether the vehicle can reach orbit on its first try.
- 35NASA's space station robotic arm is stuck, for now●NASA, for the time being, is unable to move the space station's large robotic arm https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/09/
The large robotic arm on the International Space Station has stopped working, and NASA says it is currently unable to move it. The Canada-arm2 manipulator is a critical tool for capturing cargo vehicles and supporting spacewalks, so any outage draws close attention. Engineers are assessing the fault, and officials stress the problem is described as temporary while troubleshooting continues.
- 36SpaceX's Starship rocket reaches orbit for the first time●SpaceX's Starship rocket reaches orbit for the first time https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/28/spacexs-starship-rocket-reac
SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, has reached orbit for the first time, according to TechCrunch. The milestone marks a major step for the vehicle that SpaceX intends to use for missions to the Moon and Mars. Reactions are highlighting the significance of the achievement for the future of spaceflight and for NASA's Artemis lunar program, which plans to use a Starship variant as a lander.
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SpaceX conducted the fourteenth test flight of its Starship rocket, the most powerful launch vehicle ever built. The mission is part of the company's iterative development program, with each flight gathering data on the vehicle's performance. Space enthusiasts and industry watchers are following the results closely, as Starship is central to NASA's lunar plans and SpaceX's Mars ambitions.
- 38NASA to Retry Boeing's Troubled Starliner on Crewed Missions▼NASA to attempt uncrewed and crewed missions with Boeing's troubled Starliner spacecraft https://www.scientificamerican.
NASA plans to move forward with both uncrewed and crewed missions using Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, despite the vehicle's well-documented technical problems in previous flights. The decision signals continued confidence in the program as a second commercial crew provider alongside SpaceX. Observers are weighing whether the spacecraft can overcome propulsion and safety issues that have repeatedly delayed its certification.
- 39Artemis Accords surpass 75 signatories●NASA Celebrates as Artemis Accords Surpasses 75 Signatories https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-celebrates-as-artemis
NASA announced that the Artemis Accords, its international framework for cooperative lunar and deep space exploration, has surpassed 75 signatory nations. The agency celebrated the milestone as evidence of growing global support for its Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon and build a framework for peaceful, transparent space operations. The accord commits signatories to standards on interoperability, emergency assistance and preservation of space heritage.
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NASA intends to attempt flying astronauts aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, according to NASA Watch. The programme has faced years of delays and technical problems, and the decision signals NASA is still committed to using Starliner for crew missions to the International Space Station rather than abandoning the troubled vehicle.