SpaceX’s Starship lifted off and reached Earth’s orbit for the first time, marking a major milestone for the rocket after an engine shut down unexpectedly during its ascent. The spacecraft later completed its orbital insertion burn and is now set to continue its planned mission around Earth.

SpaceX Starship enters Earth orbit after a successful orbital insertion burn. (REUTERS/Steve Nesius) (REUTERS)

The milestone came after one of Starship’s six engines shut down earlier than planned during the climb. The engine issue created uncertainty over whether the spacecraft would continue with the planned orbital mission.

The engine problem led to discussions within the SpaceX team over whether Starship should be sent around Earth. BBC reported that there was uncertainty about whether the spacecraft would continue with the orbital attempt.

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The burn allowed Starship to move from its flight path into Earth orbit. BBC reported that the spacecraft was seen entering orbit as the orbital insertion burn began.

The satellites are part of SpaceX’s Starlink network, which provides satellite internet services. Deploying the satellites is one of the key tasks planned for the mission after Starship reached orbit.

The successful insertion burn moved Starship into the orbital phase of the mission, despite the engine shutdown during ascent. BBC reported that SpaceX had initially held back from performing the orbital insertion before later confirming that the mission would continue.

Starship’s first entry into Earth orbit is the main milestone of the flight so far. The spacecraft reached space, faced an unexpected engine shutdown and then completed the burn needed to enter orbit. It will now continue its planned journey around Earth, with the deployment of 26 Starlink satellites among the next major steps.