E31 - Starship's Real Test: Can It Actually Reach Orbit? — September 16, 2026

Starship's fourteenth flight is the first real shot at orbit, and the FAA's reentry review is the actual gate. Plus: Space Force budget risk, LeoLabs sells radar directly to allies, and a tight rideshare market.

SpaceX sets launch date for first Starship orbital flight — Ars TechnicaBudget impasse imperils 1 in 10 Space Force programs, new chief says — Breaking DefenseLeoLabs moves to sell new mobile space radar directly to allies — Breaking DefenseMaverick books 10 Kepler sats to fill excess capacity on Portal's dedicated launch — Payload

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aviationweek.comspace.comspaceq.castarlust.orgtechtimes.com

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