SpaceX launches milestone Starship flight to demonstrate full reusability of orbit-class rocket

Updated on: November 13, 2026 / 6:20 PM EST / CBS News

SpaceX launched its huge Starship rocket on the program's 15th test flight Friday, a 22-hour mission featuring planned launch pad catches of both the booster and the Starship upper stage.

The booster sent the Starship on its way to orbit as planned, but a problem of some sort prevented a return to the launch pad capture. Instead, the rocket made a splashdown off the Texas Gulf Coast and promptly burst into flames.

SpaceX managed to catch a Super Heavy booster during three previous test flights, using giant mechanical arms on the launch gantry to snag the rockets as they descended tail first on the power of three of their 33 Raptor engines. But the flight plan also includes a splashdown option if an issue crops up preventing a safe capture.

It was a disappointment for SpaceX workers who head hoped the Super Heavy-Starship rocket's 15th test flight would be the first to demonstrate full reusability in an orbit-class rocket. The company sill plans to attempt its first ever launch pad catch of a Starship upper stage Saturday at the conclusion of the mission.

Loaded with 8 million pounds…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/