Several outlets including NPR and CBS News described the Starship launch as the 14th test flight that reached orbit for the first time without mentioning the early engine shutdown. The spacecraft almost did not achieve the goal after one engine shut down too soon according to PBS NewsHour. Axios noted the successful orbital insertion and deployment of 26 Starlink V3 satellites during the roughly 10-hour mission.
The Super Heavy booster splashed down in the Gulf of America shortly after launch per Axios. SpaceX stated that prior flights used suborbital trajectories to maximize safety while this test advanced full reusability goals. The company has no plan to attempt a tower catch of Starship on this flight.
