SpaceX declares Starship ready for orbit, sets launch date next week
Summary
SpaceX plans its 14th Starship flight, aiming to reach orbit for the first time with 26 Starlink satellites into a 275 km orbit. The launch, contingent on regulatory approval, is targeting September 22 with a 7:15 am local liftoff and a 75-minute window, and will feature an orbital upper stage mission planned to complete about six orbits in roughly 10 hours. The article details first-stage modifications to improve relight reliability and a plan for ocean-based landings, as well as upgrades to heat-shield tiles and tile reuse.