SpaceX's Starship Reaches Orbit for First Time, Deploying 26 Starlink V3 Satellites; SPCX Stock Rises

SpaceX (SPCX) announced its Starship rocket reached orbit for the first time on October 4, 2026, deploying 26 Starlink V3 satellites at approximately 275 kilometers altitude after 13 prior failed attempts. The mission was curtailed to three hours from a planned 10 due to engine stoppages, but SpaceX achieved its primary objectives. SPCX stock rose 18% from its $135 IPO price but remains below its $225.64 all-time high. The company carries a roughly $2 trillion market capitalization. Starship's success supports SpaceX's broader ambitions. Starlink, the company's only profitable segment, generated $4.29 billion of $7.8 billion total Q2 2026 revenue, with $1.66 billion operating profit. The V3 satellite platform is intended for reuse in AI1, SpaceX's orbital data-center satellite, with prototypes slated for early 2027. Analysts hold a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating on SPCX, with a mean price target of $220.31, implying 39% upside.