SpaceX Starship Flight 15 live updates: Super Heavy rocket moved to launch pad for 1st Starship double landing test

Live updates

1. 56m ago

   SpaceX Prepares Starship Flight 15 for Double Landing Test

   SpaceX is preparing for Starship Flight 15, targeting a historic double landing test that features tower catch attempts for both the Super Heavy booster and the upper stage. The Super Heavy booster has been moved to the launch pad at Boca Chica to undergo a squeeze test ahead of the launch. The mission follows a progression of flight tests that have advanced from earlier explosions to precision catches. While the company has set dates and timelines for the launch and double-catch sequence, plans remain fluid regarding specific recovery methods for individual components.

   Why it matters

   The upcoming mission represents a crucial milestone in SpaceX's heavy-lift vehicle development program, aiming to achieve full and rapid reusability. Successfully catching both stages using launch tower arms would validate the structural integrity and guidance precision required for deep-space transport systems. The campaign builds on previous flight iterations that tested atmospheric re-entry and controlled vertical descents over the ocean and land.

   What is confirmed

   • SpaceX is preparing for Starship Flight 15 to perform a double landing test and tower catch attempt.
   • The Super Heavy booster was moved to the launch pad at Boca Chica for testing ahead of the flight.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Super Heavy booster may skip the tower catch and execute a splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico instead.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of the final launch date and time following pad testing
   • Execution of the Starship upper stage and Super Heavy booster tower catch attempts
   • Official telemetry and post-flight assessment regarding the double landing test success
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. mynews13.com — SpaceX launches Bandwagon-5 mission Tuesday morning
   2. SpaceNews — SpaceX sets Nov. 13 date for Starship launch and catch
   3. Teslarati — SpaceX will perform Starship double catch attempt with Flight 15
   4. Space — SpaceX Starship Flight 15 live updates: Super Heavy rocket moved to launch pad for 1st Starship double landing test
   5. Space — SpaceX moves Starship Flight 15 booster to launch pad for 'squeeze test' ahead of epic double-catch attempt (photos)
   6. MyRGV.com — Starship may attempt first landing at Boca Chica after Friday launch
   7. USA Today — From explosions to catches, how SpaceX's Starship reached flight 15
   8. Investor's Business Daily — SpaceX Sets Date For Critical Starship Flight 15, Plans Tower Catches
   9. Seeking Alpha — SpaceX targets historic double rocket recovery in Starship launch Friday (SPCX:NASDAQ)
   10. USA Today — SpaceX aims to catch Starship for 1st time on flight 15. Here's when
   11. Space — What time will SpaceX launch Starship Flight 15, its 1st double landing test, on Nov. 13? (Full mission timeline)
   12. USA Today — SpaceX targets 'Holy Grail of rocketry' with Starship flight 15
   confidence 90%