Starship wants both ranks back this time

SpaceX has fully assembled the rocket in the launch tower for Starship's 15th test flight. This time, the goal is not just to get into orbit, but to return both stages to the starting point. However, a much longer journey awaits the ship's side than the first stage.

NASASpaceflight team photographer Colleen Liedtke shared new photos of the fully assembled rocket on November 12. The rocket sits on the launch tower called Mechazilla. Both stages remain in place in one piece before testing.

Starship 15th test flight on November 14

Super Heavy Booster 22 with Ship 42 is ready for test flight. The launch is scheduled for November 14, 2026, from Orbital Launch Pad 2 in Texas.

After takeoff, the first stage will separate from the ship. It is scheduled to return to the launch tower in approximately 6.5 minutes. Booster 22 will be the first Super Heavy to fly the V3 version on this mission.

The ship will remain in orbit for more than a day

Ship 42 will continue on its way and ascend into orbit at an altitude of approximately 275 km. It will make roughly 14 trips around the earth. Duty duration is longer than 22 hours.

During the flight, the ship will release 26 satellites from the next generation Starlink V3 into orbit.

Both levels will return to the tower

The main goal of the test is to return both stages of Starship directly to the launch site. The ranks will be tried to be captured with the mechanical arms of the Mechazilla tower. The ship will return after completing its orbital program and exiting orbit in a controlled manner.

If all goes as planned, it will be the first time SpaceX has fully recovered a rocket system into orbit. The date set for launch is 14 November 2026.