SpaceX Targets Historic Double Starship Recovery on Flight 15
SpaceX attempts to catch both the Super Heavy booster and Starship spacecraft at Starbase.
1Ambitious Dual Recovery Attempt
SpaceX is preparing for Flight 15, scheduled for November 13, aiming to recover both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship spacecraft at the Texas launch site. This mission represents the first attempt to catch both components using the mechanical arms, known as chopsticks, during a single orbital flight sequence.
2Booster 22 Return Sequence
The mission utilizes the new V3 version of the Super Heavy booster, designated Booster 22. Following stage separation, the booster will execute a return burn to the launch site. SpaceX plans to catch the vehicle approximately 6 minutes and 35 seconds after liftoff, marking a critical test for V3 hardware.
3Extended Orbital Mission Profile
After separating from the booster, the Starship spacecraft will enter an orbit at an altitude of approximately 275 kilometers. The vehicle is tasked with deploying 26 Starlink V3 satellites. It will remain in orbit for over 22 hours, completing roughly 14 revolutions around the Earth before attempting its own landing.
4Complex Spacecraft Landing Maneuvers
Returning the spacecraft is significantly more demanding than the booster recovery due to higher re-entry speeds and thermal loads. The vehicle must perform a complex flip maneuver, followed by a staged engine ignition sequence, transitioning from three engines to two, and finally one, to achieve a vertical hover between the arms.
5Safety and Regulatory Constraints
The return trajectory for the spacecraft involves flying over northern Mexico and southern Texas. SpaceX stated that the flight path avoids major cities in the Rio Grande Valley. Controllers will continuously monitor systems, including communications and computers, to ensure the vehicle meets strict health criteria before authorizing the final landing attempt.
6Evolution of Launch Capability
Flight 14, conducted on September 28, marked the first time Starship successfully reached orbit and deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites. Flight 15 builds upon this milestone by testing the full reusability of the entire system. This capability is essential for the company's long-term goal of building a massive satellite constellation.
7Pre-Launch Testing Preparations
Booster 22 was moved to the launch pad on November 10 to undergo final integration and stacking. SpaceX conducted rigorous pre-launch testing, including a suspended squeeze test at the designated catch height to verify the mechanical arm functionality. These ground tests are vital for ensuring the hardware is ready for flight.
8Dynamic Mission Execution
The launch window opens at 4:45 p.m. Texas time on November 13, with a 75-minute duration. SpaceX emphasizes that the schedule remains dynamic and subject to regulatory approval. Live coverage will begin 30 minutes before liftoff, providing real-time updates on this unprecedented test of orbital rocket and spacecraft recovery.
Original article: Infobae — SpaceX Targets Historic Double Starship Recovery on Flight 15