SpaceX Aims to Catch Both Starship Halves

SpaceX is preparing for its 15th Starship flight test, targeting Friday, November 13th, with a significant objective: recovering both stages of the rocket for the first time. The mission aims for the upper stage to reach orbit and circle Earth for approximately 22 hours, deploying another 26 next-generation Starlink satellites. This flight marks a crucial step towards SpaceX's goal of full rocket reusability, a feat unprecedented in the spaceflight industry.

The Super Heavy booster is expected to return and be caught by the launch tower's mechanical arms shortly after liftoff. Around 22 hours later, the upper stage will reenter Earth's atmosphere. A second tower will then attempt to catch this stage, which will have flown over populated areas of northern Mexico and South Texas during its descent. This flight path over inhabited regions is a new element for Starship's reentry, with SpaceX assuring adherence to strict safety conditions approved by the FAA.