{
  "id": 10183643,
  "title": "Can SpaceXs Starship actually loop Earth six times? Watch it live.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/can-spacexs-starship-actually-loop-earth-six-times-watch-it-live",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-27T09:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mashable",
    "slug": "mashable",
    "url": "https://mashable.com/science/spacex-starship-livestream-september-2026"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "SpaceX's colossal Starship spacecraft is poised to make history on September 28, 2023. This is the company's inaugural attempt to send the mammoth vehicle into orbit around Earth and return it safely to the ground, a journey taking approximately 10 hours. Founded by visionary Elon Musk, SpaceX intends to launch Starship from its private pad in Starbase, Texas, as early as 8:15 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The 400-foot rocket, with its two engines burning liquid methane and oxygen, boasts nearly twice the thrust of NASA's Space Launch System.\n\nTo stay aloft in the vacuum of space, Starship must defy gravity by shooting sideways at an astonishing speed of 17,500 mph. At this velocity, the spacecraft experiences a constant gravitational pull, yet Earth's surface curves away at precisely the same rate, allowing it to maintain a stable orbit without crashing back down.\n\nPrevious test flights have simulated passive orbits, prioritizing public safety and data collection. However, this groundbreaking 14th flight marks the first attempt to truly orbit Earth. If successful, Starship will complete six orbits, flying at an altitude of 170 miles, before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean near Chile. The spacecraft will also carry out a first in deploying 26 Starlink V3 internet satellites, contributing to global connectivity. As the test concludes, Starship will ignite one last time to leave Earth's orbit and return through the atmosphere, all while being broadcast live for the world to witness.",
  "summary": "During Starship's 14th test, SpaceX will attempt to put the spacecraft in orbit for the first time, circling the world six times.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}