SpaceX’s Starship reaches orbit for the first time but returns home early

SpaceX successfully launched Starship into orbit for the first time, deploying 26 advanced Starlink satellites. Despite an engine shutting down prematurely, the vehicle reached space from Texas. The mission was shortened for safety, resulting in a splashdown north of Hawaii three hours after liftoff instead of the planned 10-hour flight. Although Starship tipped over and caught fire upon landing, the flight demonstrated progress toward NASA's Artemis moon program despite the dramatic conclusion of the mission.