SpaceX launches 15th Starship flight with hopes of achieving first round trip

On Friday, November 13, 2026, SpaceX launched its 15th Starship spacecraft from Texas in an attempt to achieve the first round-trip rocket voyage to orbit and back to the same launch site, a crucial test for Elon Musk's vision of a fully reusable rocket system. The uncrewed upper-stage vessel was designed to re-enter the atmosphere after nearly a day in orbit and return to its launch tower for an engine-controlled touchdown using the giant mechanical arms of a pioneering catch-landing mechanism.

Starship's lower-stage booster rocket was also intended to return shortly after part separation, minutes after launch. However, the Super Heavy booster veered off its return flight path, hovered for a brief time over the Gulf of Mexico, and subsequently exploded over the sea surface, thwarting SpaceX's recovery efforts. Despite this setback, Starship successfully reached orbit approximately 27 minutes after launch.

The mission aimed to deliver a batch of 26 Starlink satellites to orbit, contributing to SpaceX's satellite-connectivity business while testing the rocket's capabilities. Musk envisions Starship as a key component in expanding the company's network of Starlink internet satellites and in the future, deploying orbital AI data-processing centers known as Starmind.

The launch marked Starship's 15th test flight since 2023 and the second to carry operational Starlink satellites. This mission also serves as a significant test for the rocket, which remains under development. Starship has previously returned the Super Heavy booster three times to its launch pad, with the booster catching itself using mechanical arms fixed to the launch tower.