# Rocket Report: Starship set for historic test flight; a century of Electron

Source: [Space - Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/11/rocket-report-starship-set-for-historic-test-flight-a-century-of-electron/) · 2026-11-13 · Space
Page: https://themorning.science/story/rocket-report-starship-set-for-historic-test-flight-a-century-of-electron-0d4614944ee44a54
Kind: launch · Impact: medium

## In brief

- SpaceX plans to launch Starship's 15th test flight (Flight 15, Starlink Group 31-2) on November 13 from Starbase in South Texas, in a 75-minute window opening at 5:45.
- The flight would attempt the first catch of both stages of an orbital-class rocket, with Booster 22 to be caught back at Pad 2 minutes after launch.
- The Ship upper stage is to attempt a catch after roughly a day in orbit, following the previous flight, which reached orbit for the first time.

## Why it matters

A successful double catch would be a major step toward full reusability of orbital rockets, which matters for the cost and frequency of future launches, including the company's stated goal of hourly launches by 2030.

## Versions

- Starship Flight 15
- Starlink Group 31-2

## Timeline

- 2026-11-13: Starship Flight 15 scheduled for launch from Starbase, South Texas, in a 75-minute window opening at 5:45
- 2026-11-13: Planned attempt to catch Booster 22 at Pad 2, minutes after launch
- 2026-11-14: Planned catch attempt of the Ship upper stage after a little under a day in orbit

## Coverage

- [Double-catch drama: Why Starship's Flight 15 is so important to SpaceX](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/double-catch-drama-why-starships-flight-15-is-so-important-to-spacex) — Latest from Space.com, 2026-11-13
- [Rocket Report: Starship set for historic test flight; a century of Electron](https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/11/rocket-report-starship-set-for-historic-test-flight-a-century-of-electron/) — Space - Ars Technica, 2026-11-13
- [SpaceX Starship test to attempt first-ever spaceship 'catch'](https://phys.org/news/2026-11-spacex-starship-spaceship.html) — Space News - Space, Astronomy, Space Exploration, 2026-11-13
- ['Don't panic': SpaceX pens familiar message on Starship ahead of historic double-catch test flight](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/dont-panic-spacex-pens-familiar-message-on-starship-ahead-of-historic-double-catch-test-flight) — Latest from Space.com, 2026-11-13
- [Watch SpaceX attempt a historic Starship launch and double-catch landing today (Nov. 13)](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-launching-historic-double-catch-starship-test-flight-today-watch-it-live) — Latest from Space.com, 2026-11-13
- [Starship Flight 15 to attempt first catch of both stages](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/11/starship-flight-15-spacex-history/) — NASASpaceFlight.com, 2026-11-13
- [SpaceX's Starship megarocket will launch to orbit on Nov. 13. Will you be able to spot it in the night sky?](https://www.space.com/stargazing/spacexs-starship-megarocket-will-launch-to-orbit-on-nov-13-will-you-be-able-to-spot-it-in-the-night-sky) — Latest from Space.com, 2026-11-12

Tags: starship, spacex, reusability, rocket launch, orbital flight

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