SpaceX Targets Friday Starship Flight for a Dual-Stage Catch Attempt

SpaceX is targeting Starship’s 15th test flight as early as Friday, Nov. 13, pending regulatory approval, for an attempt to recover both rocket stages, a milestone in its reusable launch system program.

SpaceX had previously placed the dual-stage recovery attempt in November without naming a launch day. The company has caught Super Heavy before but has not caught Ship, making Flight 15 its first attempt to recover both stages on one mission. A previous successful booster catch took place during Flight 7 on Jan. 16, 2025.

The tower would use its mechanical arms to take hold of both vehicles, the Super Heavy booster and Ship, Starship’s upper stage; the earlier recovery plan describes the maneuver. The launch window is scheduled to open at 5:45 p.m. ET (22:45 UTC).

SpaceX says a successful attempt would mark the first full recovery of an orbital launch system. Starship is designed as a reusable rocket and booster system.