SpaceX Targets November for 15th Starship Test Flight, Aiming for Dual‑Stage Catch
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SpaceX plans to launch its 15th Starship test flight in November from Starbase in South Texas. During an earnings call, Elon Musk and COO Gwynne Shotwell said the company will attempt to catch both the Super Heavy first stage and the Starship upper stage on the same flight, a maneuver that would land the vehicle back at the launch site over land, including northern Mexico. Shotwell noted that the FAA license for Flight 15 will cover the return‑to‑launch‑site and tower‑catch requirements. After this test, SpaceX intends to refly a Starship upper stage early next year and conduct a Starship‑to‑Starship refueling demonstration in early 2027 to validate orbital refueling for lunar missions.
Timeline
- On September 28 2026 Starship Flight 14 launched from Starbase, first orbital attempt.
- On October 1 2026 SpaceX announces intent to catch both stages on Flight 15.
- On October 15 2026 FAA engagement confirms license for return and tower catch.
- On October 20 2026 Musk states success likely for Flight 15 catch attempt.
- On October 25 2026 SpaceX targets November for Flight 15 launch.
Why it matters
What changes?
Regulatory hurdle: Starship must land on land, including northern Mexico, to return to launch site.
Ars TechnicaWho is affected?
Shotwell said FAA engagement will likely grant Flight 15 license for return to launch site and tower catch.
Ars TechnicaWhat happens next?
Shotwell said SpaceX plans to refly a Starship upper stage early next year after this test flight.
Ars TechnicaAI assisted · Based on the linked reporting.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
























