SpaceX launches 15th Starship flight with hopes of achieving first round trip
SPCX•SpaceX launched its 15th Starship flight, aiming to return the uncrewed upper stage to its Texas launch tower after about 22 hours in orbit. The booster was diverted toward the Gulf of Mexico and exploded, while all 26 Starlink satellites were released into orbit.
1. Flight reaches orbit
SpaceX launched Starship from its South Texas site on Friday. The upper stage reached orbit about 27 minutes after launch, and SpaceX reported that all 26 Starlink satellites were released within the first two hours.
2. Return attempt planned
The uncrewed upper stage is scheduled to re-enter the atmosphere after roughly 22 hours and attempt an engine-controlled landing at its launch tower, using giant mechanical arms to catch it. If successful, it would be the first round-trip flight of a vertically launched spacecraft into orbit and back to its precise departure point.
3. Booster catch goes awry
The Super Heavy booster was diverted to the Gulf of Mexico instead of returning to the tower and exploded shortly above the sea. SpaceX has recovered the booster on three previous test flights using the tower-catching system. The article says NASA has provided roughly $3.2 billion toward Starship development, while SpaceX has put in at least $15 billion.
