SpaceX is expected to conduct its first orbital test flight of Starship on Monday.

SpaceX (SPCX.US) is expected to send its giant Starship into orbit for the first time on Monday, conducting a test flight that may last nearly 10 hours. This critical milestone could pave the way for regular satellite launches by the test rocket in the future. The rocket will carry 26 upgraded SpaceX Starlink satellites, and the company plans to deploy these satellites into orbit and incorporate them into its existing space internet network. Previously, all of Starship's space launch missions have deliberately avoided reaching orbit to maximize safety. If this mission succeeds, it could open the door to more orbital flight missions. In this launch, SpaceX will send the first batch of upgraded V3 Starlink satellites into orbit, adding to its space network which currently consists of over 11,000 satellites. In a previous mission, Starship also deployed V3 Starlink satellites, but these satellites were intentionally burned up in Earth's atmosphere as planned.