SpaceX aims for double rocket catch in upcoming Starship test flight
Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Nov 13, 2026, 11:30 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-11-13-2330
SpaceX plans to catch both stages of its Starship rocket mid-air using mechanical launch tower arms during an upcoming test flight on Friday.
SpaceX is preparing for its next Starship test flight on Friday, aiming to achieve a historic dual recovery of the vehicle's components. During the launch attempt, the company plans to use the mechanical arms on its launch tower, known as "chopsticks," to catch both returning rocket stages mid-air. A successful outcome would mark the first full mid-air recovery of a space-flown rocket, serving as a critical step toward making Starship fully reusable for future space missions.
Sources: BBC News
How outlets assessed this
- FAZ Critical Framed the outcome as a failure and major setback for Elon Musk's space ambitions.
- Le Figaro Neutral Factual reporting focusing on the technical decision to forego the first-stage recovery.
- The Guardian Supportive Emphasized the historic nature of the launch and the ambitious goals of the ongoing test.
Sources
Earlier coverage
- Nov 14, 2026, 05:30 AM UTCSpaceX Starship test flight encounters technical setback during catch attempt