SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, successfully launched its Starship rocket from Texas on Monday, marking the 14th test flight and the vehicle's first orbital mission. The rocket deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites, a critical step toward making the massive vehicle operational for revenue-generating payloads. Starship, standing roughly 400 feet tall, carried the larger satellites designed for increased capacity.

The company has invested over $15 billion into the program. After reaching orbit, Starship is expected to complete up to six orbits before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean west of Chile. This flight represents a major milestone in transitioning the rocket from research and development to operational status.

By achieving orbit, the next phase of fully and rapidly reusable development can begin.