SpaceX launches Starship Flight 15 aiming for double catch after 22‑hour orbit

The Guardian reported that SpaceX’s Starship megarocket lifted off from its Texas launch site on Friday afternoon. The company said Flight 15 will circle the Earth roughly 14 times over a 22‑hour period before it attempts to be recovered at the Starbase launchpad in south Texas. Officials described the mission as an effort to achieve a historic double catch of the reusable vehicle. If successful, the operation would mark another step in the company’s push to reuse its large rockets more frequently.

The launch follows previous attempts to demonstrate the viability of rapid turnaround for the Starship system.

Why it matters

A successful double catch would demonstrate that large rockets can be recovered and reused quickly, potentially lowering the cost of access to space.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

14 Nov 2026, 05:08 IST

Key names

SpaceX Starship, Earth, Starbase, Texas SpaceX’s Starship

Section

Science

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianSpaceX Starship megarocket blasts off before expected return for reuse 14 Nov, 05:08

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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