What time will SpaceX launch Starship Flight 15, its 1st double landing test, on Nov. 13? (Full mission timeline)

Foundations of Starship Flight 15

SpaceX is advancing preparations for Flight 15 of its massive Starship megarocket. Targeted for launch on Nov. 13, the primary objective of this flight is to achieve Earth orbit. Flight 15 represents the next major milestone in SpaceX's ongoing campaign to mature its super-heavy launch platform.

The First Double Catch Attempt and Mission Timeline

The headline objective for Flight 15 is SpaceX's ambitious attempt at its first-ever double catch landing test. According to the mission timeline, the hardware will undergo precise maneuvers to be recovered and caught by the launch tower systems upon return. Engineers will monitor orbital insertion performance, thermal shield integrity, and descent guidance precision throughout the profile.

Impact on Future Deep Space Exploration

Achieving orbit alongside a successful double catch would mark a revolutionary leap toward full and rapid rocket reusability. Lowering the cost of access to space via reusable megarockets is the cornerstone of future lunar and Martian exploration plans. Data gathered during Flight 15 will directly inform the timeline for upcoming Starship operational flights.