SpaceX's Starship soars into orbit after booster malfunction thwarts double catch attempt
Also reported by Guardian World, CBS News, BBC World
Summary
SpaceX’s Starship reached orbit during its 15th test flight on Friday, November 13, 2026, despite a malfunction that sent its Super Heavy booster into the Gulf of Mexico. The spacecraft was scheduled to attempt a return to the launch pad on Saturday, where mechanical arms would try to catch it.Key Facts
- The launch took place at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas.
- The Super Heavy booster did not return to the launch pad after an automatic abort.
- The booster ended up in the Gulf of Mexico.
- The Starship spacecraft continued toward orbit after the booster malfunction.
- The flight marked the spacecraft’s first planned return to the pad from orbit.
- Mechanical arms on the launch tower were intended to catch the spacecraft.
- SpaceX expected the flight to last 22 hours if no further problems occurred.
- The planned recovery approach aims to make rocket parts reusable.
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