Spacex Targets Nov. 13 for First Dual-stage Starship Catch
WHO:
Engadget - SpaceX is conducting the Starship Flight 15 test.
Space.com - SpaceX is conducting the Starship Flight 15 test.
WHAT:
Gizmodo - SpaceX has previously caught the Super Heavy booster three times; Flight 15 is its first attempt to catch Starship’s upper stage.
Gizmodo - During the prior test flight, Starship reached orbit for the first time, but an engine issue during ascent led SpaceX to shorten the planned nearly 10-hour mission, which had included approximately six orbits.
Gizmodo - Starship performed its first-ever deorbit burn, survived atmospheric reentry, and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean roughly three hours after launch.
Gizmodo - Elon Musk said the company’s goal was “a fully reusable orbital launch vehicle” and called the effort “a profound technology milestone in the history of civilization and consciousness.”
Gizmodo - Starship Flight 15 is expected to deploy 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites.
Gizmodo - SpaceX said a successful double catch would mark “the first full recovery of an orbital launch system” and a breakthrough toward a reliable, rapidly reusable rocket.
Engadget - Flight 15 is planned as SpaceX’s first attempt to catch both Starship stages.
Space.com - SpaceX plans to catch both stages of Starship as they return to Earth during Flight 15.
WHERE:
Gizmodo - The two “Mechazilla” launch-and-catch towers are at Starbase in South Texas; each is 480 feet (146 meters) tall and has chopstick arms.
WHEN:
Gizmodo - The November 13 launch window is 75 minutes long and opens at 5:45 p.m. ET.
Engadget - SpaceX is targeting November 13 for Flight 15, pending regulatory approval.
Space.com - SpaceX’s next Starship test flight is scheduled for Friday (Nov. 13).
WHY:
Space.com - Flight 15 is a test mission.
HOW:
Gizmodo - The Super Heavy booster uses timed engine burns to slow its descent and position itself for a tower catch; the upper stage must survive atmospheric reentry, maneuver into position, and slow down for its catch.
Gizmodo - SpaceX plans for Starship to orbit at about 171 miles (275 kilometers), complete approximately 14 orbits during a flight lasting more than 22 hours, and return for a catch attempt.
Gizmodo - The company says it could place Starship on a passively safe suborbital trajectory or safely deorbit it over designated ocean areas if an issue arises.
Space.com - The planned test involves attempting to catch both Starship stages when they return to Earth.
(UPDATED November 10, 2026 23:01 UTC)
SpaceX plans Flight 15 as its first attempt to catch both Starship stages. The November 13 launch window opens at 5:45 p.m. ET, pending approval. Starship will also test deploying 26 next-generation Starlink satellites during its flight.
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(UPDATED November 10, 2026 21:02 UTC)
SpaceX is targeting November 13 for Starship Flight 15, pending regulatory approval. The test will attempt to catch both the booster and Starship’s upper stage. It also plans to deploy 26 next-generation Starlink satellites during the flight.
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(UPDATED November 10, 2026 16:06 UTC)
SpaceX is targeting a Starship test flight, pending regulatory approval, for November 13. The mission plans to deploy 26 Starlink satellites and catch both returning stages. A successful double catch would mark the first full recovery of an orbital launch system.
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(UPDATED November 10, 2026 14:16 UTC)
SpaceX plans its Starship Flight 15 test for November 13, pending regulatory approval. The mission would attempt to catch both Starship stages as they return to Earth. It would mark SpaceX’s first attempt to catch both stages during one flight.