SpaceX Starship splashes down after reaching orbit in unprecedented test flight

• Liftoff successful: SpaceX’s Starship, the most powerful rocket ever made, launched from Starbase, Texas, this morning, and the ship portion of the launch system reached orbit. All 26 operational Starlink satellites were deployed.

• Dramatic splashdown: The spacecraft survived its scorching journey back through Earth’s atmosphere before practicing a controlled landing burn in the Pacific Ocean. The splashdown wasn’t as soft as the one seen in July during the previous flight, causing a massive fireball over the water.

• Looking ahead: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman congratulated SpaceX on its success so far following the launch. SpaceX is facing intense pressure to get Starship ready for a crucial NASA test flight next year that could pave the way for the next moon landing.