SpaceX Schedules Starship Flight 15 for November 13 Launch Targeting First Simultaneous Booster and Ship Tower Catch
What happened
SpaceX scheduled Starship Flight 15 for November 13, 2026, marking the first attempt to recover both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage via launch tower catches in a single mission.
The Context
- The double-catch profile: Flight 15 pairs Booster 22 with Ship 42, aiming to catch the booster roughly 6.5 minutes after liftoff and retrieve the upper stage after its orbital test run.
- Payload deployment in orbit: The upper stage plans to reach a 275-kilometer altitude to deploy 26 Starlink V3 satellites across approximately 14 orbits before its re-entry maneuver.
- Transitioning from expendable hardware: Earlier orbital attempts relied on ocean splashdowns for the upper stage; dual-stage recovery represents the structural benchmark for true, rapid-turnaround launch operations.
The Number
— the planned mission duration from liftoff to the upper-stage tower catch, setting the operational window required to complete orbital insertion, payload drop, and controlled recovery.
Takeaway
If regulatory clearance clears the launch window, orbital economics will shift decisively from throwaway assets toward same-day turnaround infrastructure.
Space science news, astronomy updates, and spaceflight developments.
"Space.com delivers space science news, astronomy updates, and spaceflight developments with engaging coverage."
— A47 Editor
What time will SpaceX launch Starship Flight 15, its 1st double landing test, on Nov. 13? (Full mission timeline)
SpaceX is preparing Starship Flight 15, a test mission scheduled for Friday, November 13, that will attempt the company's first double landing, with both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage planned for recovery. Ahead of the launch, ...
Space science news, astronomy updates, and spaceflight developments.
"Space.com delivers space science news, astronomy updates, and spaceflight developments with engaging coverage."
— A47 Editor
SpaceX moves Starship Flight 15 booster to launch pad for 'squeeze test' ahead of epic double-catch attempt (photos)
SpaceX has moved its Super Heavy booster to the launch pad for a "squeeze test" ahead of Starship Flight 15, a historic mission scheduled for Friday, November 13, that will attempt the first double-catch recovery of both the booster and upper stage.
Consumer technology news with AI coverage.
"Gadget and tech site reporting on AI in products."
— A47 Editor
SpaceX's first attempt to catch both Starship stages takes place November 13
SpaceX's Starship Flight 15 is scheduled for November 13, according to Engadget, and would mark the company's first attempt to catch both Starship stages, the booster and the upper stage. The launch remains pending regulatory approval.
Covers consumer technology, electronics, gadgets, and product reviews.
"Engadget is a trusted source for gadget reviews and consumer tech news, known for its hands-on analysis and industry coverage."
— A47 Editor
SpaceX's first attempt to catch both Starship stages takes place November 13
SpaceX's Starship Flight 15 is scheduled for November 13, according to Engadget, and would mark the company's first attempt to catch both Starship stages, the booster and the upper stage. The launch remains pending regulatory approval.
Space science news, astronomy updates, and spaceflight developments.
"Space.com delivers space science news, astronomy updates, and spaceflight developments with engaging coverage."
— A47 Editor
SpaceX will launch epic double-catch Starship Flight 15 test mission on Nov. 13
SpaceX plans to attempt a double catch of both Starship stages on its Flight 15 test mission, scheduled for Friday, November 13. The company has been preparing through a series of static-fire tests of the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper st...