Live updates: SpaceX launches unprecedented test flight of massive Starship, aiming for orbit

Key Points:

• SpaceX's Starship test flight aims to deploy 26 Starlink V3 satellites and conduct extensive research on the spacecraft's performance, including testing upgraded heat shield tiles designed for repeated atmospheric reentry.
• Despite an engine shutdown on one of Starship's vacuum engines during the first burn, mission controllers decided to proceed with the orbital insertion burn, marking a significant milestone as Starship begins orbiting Earth.
• The Super Heavy booster experienced partial engine relight failure during the boost-back burn, which may prevent a controlled landing in the Gulf, continuing challenges from previous missions.
• This mission is the first Starship flight planned to complete six full laps around Earth over approximately 10 hours, significantly longer than prior suborbital test flights, with live coverage expected through splashdown.
• SpaceX is advancing plans to build a massive $100 billion spaceport in Louisiana, called "Starbase, Louisiana," to support future high-frequency Starship launches, while continuing to refine rapid reusability goals critical to reducing launch costs.