SpaceX completes 15th Starship flight test, spacecraft caught by launch tower for 1st time
Summary
SpaceX completed the 15th flight test of Starship, with the spacecraft returning to its launch site and being caught by the launch tower’s mechanical arms for the first time. The mission also deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites before the spacecraft re-entered and landed successfully over Texas.
Key Points
- SpaceX’s Starship completed its 15th flight test and was caught by the launch tower’s mechanical arms upon return, a first for the vehicle.
- The mission lifted off from Starbase in Texas, reached orbit, and deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites.
- The Super Heavy booster splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico instead of returning to the launch site.
- Starship performed a deorbit burn, re-entered the atmosphere, and landed back at the Texas launch site.
