SpaceX Starship reaches orbit, deploys 26 Starlink satellites in historic Flight 14
SpaceX's Starship megarocket achieved orbit for the first time on September 28, 2026, lifting off from Starbase, Texas. The 120-meter tall vehicle's upper stage separated from the Super Heavy booster about 26 minutes into flight and entered a circular orbit roughly 275 km above Earth, traveling at 28,000 km/h. During the approximately 10-hour mission, the spacecraft deployed 26 next-generation Starlink satellites before the planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean after six orbits; the Super Heavy booster fell into the Gulf of Mexico.
This flight marks a major milestone for SpaceX's ambitions to use Starship for Moon and Mars missions, as well as for testing orbital refueling. The successful deployment adds to the growing Starlink constellation, which aims to deliver high-speed internet globally. For Nigeria, expanded Starlink coverage could improve broadband access in underserved areas and increase competition for local providers.
Will the growing Starlink network bring better pricing and wider coverage to Nigerian users, and should regulators prepare for more satellite-based broadband options?