# SpaceX Moves Super Heavy Booster 22 for Historic Double-Catch Attempt SpaceX prepares for Flight 15, aiming to recover both rocket stages simultaneously via tower arms. - **Source:** [Space.com](https://www.space.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [science](https://brifing.si/c/science) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/364294b8-bea7-4d13-b7db-18033ff9f9e0 ## Booster 22 Reaches Launch Pad SpaceX has successfully transported the Super Heavy Booster 22 to the launch mount at its Starbase facility in South Texas. This move, announced on November 10, marks a critical milestone for the upcoming Flight 15 mission. The booster is powered by 33 Raptor engines and is currently undergoing final mechanical integration procedures. ## Testing the Chopstick Mechanism Upon reaching the pad, the booster underwent a suspended squeeze test using the launch tower's chopstick arms. This procedure ensures the mechanical arms can securely grasp the massive structure at the precise catch height. SpaceX shared photographic evidence of the booster being held high above the ground during these critical pre-flight verification tests. ## Ambitious Double Recovery Attempt Flight 15, scheduled for November 13, features an unprecedented double-catch maneuver. SpaceX plans to recover both the Super Heavy booster and the upper Ship stage using the launch tower arms. While the company has previously caught the booster three times, attempting to catch the Ship stage represents a significant technical leap forward. ## Technical Challenges of Ship Recovery Recovering the Ship stage is significantly more difficult than catching the booster due to its orbital flight profile. The Ship travels higher and further, requiring precise navigation to align with the tower arms. This maneuver follows the successful orbital achievement of Flight 14, which occurred on September 28, setting the stage for recovery. ## Strategic Goals for Launch Cadence The primary objective of this recovery strategy is to drastically increase the Starship launch cadence. By reusing both stages, SpaceX aims to streamline operations and reduce costs. Elon Musk has stated an ambitious goal of 10,000 flights per year by 2030 to support large-scale infrastructure projects like the Starlink V3 broadband network. ## Mission Timeline and Logistics The launch window for Flight 15 opens this Friday at 5:45 p.m. EST. The Super Heavy booster is expected to return for its catch attempt approximately 6.5 minutes after liftoff. The Ship will remain in orbit for 22 hours, completing 14 circuits of Earth before attempting its own recovery at the launch site. ## Payload and Network Expansion Beyond testing recovery mechanisms, the mission serves a functional purpose for SpaceX's growing satellite infrastructure. The Ship is tasked with deploying 26 Starlink V3 spacecraft into low Earth orbit. This deployment is essential for expanding the capacity of the company's broadband constellation and the future Starmind AI data-center network across the globe. ## Future of Orbital Rocketry If successful, this mission will represent the first full recovery of an orbital rocket in history. This capability is foundational for the future of space exploration, potentially transforming how humanity accesses orbit. SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of rapid reusability, aiming to make frequent space travel a routine reality for industry. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-moves-starship-flight-15-booster-to-launch-pad-for-squeeze-test-ahead-of-epic-double-catch-attempt-photos — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._