SpaceX aims to safely land Starship and booster stage after orbital flight

SpaceX plans to launch its colossal Starship rocket, which will orbit Earth before safely returning both its booster and upper stage to the launch site for reuse. This ambitious test flight, expected as early as November 13, could demonstrate the company's progress in building reusable spacecraft. Comprising an upper stage and a lower stage, Starship aims to lower costs and increase launch frequency by making both parts reusable.

Until now, at least one section always landed in the sea during test flights. The 15th test flight could see Starship place the upper stage in an orbit approximately 275 kilometers above Earth, with 14 loops around the planet lasting around 22 hours. China's progress in reusable rockets remains unclear. After launch, the Super Heavy booster is set to return to the launch pad for a safe landing, a feat never before achieved with the upper stage.

If both sections land and can be reused, the mission would represent a major advancement for SpaceX. Experts believe there is a good chance of success, as it would show SpaceX has mastered the critical task of landing and guiding Starship safely to a soft landing, even over land. SpaceX has not commented on the mission, but stated that Starship will navigate around cities in northern Mexico and southern Texas to avoid overflying densely populated areas.