AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 13, 2026
SpaceX Prepares for Milestone Starship 15 Launch
SpaceX is gearing up for a significant milestone with the launch of Starship 15 from its Starbase facility in South Texas. The event, set for Friday, November 13, 2026, will feature not only the liftoff of the massive rocket but also an attempt to recover both the booster and spacecraft at the launch pad—an achievement SpaceX has yet to accomplish.
Ambitious Recovery Plans at Starbase
Unlike previous launches where boosters and spacecraft were left unusable in the ocean, SpaceX's new goal is to launch and then catch both stages at the pad in Starbase. The company emphasized that this approach to rocket reusability could mark a turning point for the future of space travel. The launch window for Starship 15 opens at 4:45 p.m. CST on Friday.
Rocket Reusability: A Game Changer
The prospect of recovering both rocket components is being closely watched by space enthusiasts and experts. Randall Folsom, a visitor who traveled to South Texas for the event, shared his excitement: “To me, being able to launch something that big, that complicated, catch it, that’s the holy grail of rocketry, right?” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also commented on the significance of reusable rockets, comparing single-use rockets to the impracticality of discarding a car after every drive. Currently, NASA rockets do not offer reusability of this magnitude.
The Launch and Catch Plan
SpaceX's plan involves launching Starship 15 and catching the booster approximately six minutes after liftoff. The spacecraft, meanwhile, will enter orbit for nearly 24 hours. During its time in orbit, Starship will deploy 26 Starlink V3 satellites, expanding SpaceX’s orbital communications capabilities.
Orbital Deployment and Returning to Starbase
After completing its orbital mission and satellite deployment, Starship is scheduled to return to South Texas. SpaceX aims to catch the ship at the Starbase pad—a feat never before accomplished in space exploration.
Public Interest and Media Coverage
The historic nature of the mission has drawn visitors from across Texas, North Carolina, and Connecticut, highlighting the widespread interest in this attempt. ABC13’s Nick Natario is on the ground in South Texas to provide live coverage of the event.
Source: abc13.com.
