SpaceX achieves first orbital recovery of Starship upper stage during 15th test flight

SpaceX successfully performed the first orbital recovery of the Starship upper stage using mechanical arms on the launch tower during its 15th test flight. The mission, conducted from the Starbase facility in Texas, saw the upper stage complete 14 orbits around Earth before its successful catch. While the upper stage was recovered, the Super Heavy booster failed to return to the launch tower as planned.

Starship upper stage recovery details

The Starship upper stage returned to the launch tower approximately 22.5 hours after the initial launch. This successful catch marks the first time SpaceX has recovered the upper stage following an orbital flight. During the mission, the 52-meter-long Starship spacecraft deployed 26 Starlink satellites into orbit. The total height of the combined rocket system, consisting of the 52-meter Starship spacecraft and the 72-meter Super Heavy booster, reaches 124 meters.

The mission was subject to temporary airspace restrictions during the flight. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the Hawaii Department of Transportation issued bans that included a West Coast flight suspension. These restrictions have since been lifted by the respective authorities.

Super Heavy booster diversion

The Super Heavy booster did not achieve the mission goal of a dual-stage recovery. Instead of landing at the launch tower, the booster was diverted to the Gulf of Mexico. This decision followed a low fuel signal received during the flight. According to SpaceX spokesman Dan Huot, the guidance system automatically canceled the catch because it detected the booster was not in the correct position.

The booster landed in the Gulf of Mexico and caught fire upon impact. SpaceX commentator Kate Tice stated that the decision to divert the booster was made to follow strict safety protocols to protect the launch pad. While SpaceX has previously successfully caught the Super Heavy booster three times, this 15th test flight failed to achieve the simultaneous recovery of both stages.

Strategic importance of Starship

The Starship program is a central component of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface by 2028. SpaceX is developing the Starship system to enable rapid reusability to support the Starlink satellite constellation, the Artemis lunar program, and potential Mars colonization. Additionally, the Pentagon has expressed interest in the system for the purpose of rapid global cargo delivery within approximately one hour.

Glossary

• Starship upper stage — The Starship upper stage is a component of the Starship rocket system. It is a spacecraft that can complete orbits around Earth and is capable of being recovered using mechanical arms on a launch tower.
• Starbase — Starbase is a major facility of the aerospace company SpaceX used for the development, manufacturing, and testing of its rockets. It serves as the primary launch and recovery facility for the Starship launch vehicle.
• Super Heavy booster — The Super Heavy booster is a 72-meter component of the combined Starship rocket system. It is the stage of the rocket that can be caught or diverted for landing.
• Starlink — Starlink is a satellite internet network operated by Elon Musk. It consists of a constellation of satellites deployed into orbit.
• Federal Aviation Administration — The Federal Aviation Administration is an authority that can issue airspace restrictions or flight suspensions.