SpaceX to attempt Starship catch on next flight, with eye on rapid cadence increase
Summary
SpaceX plans to catch both stages of its Starship rocket on the next test flight, aiming for a launch in November from South Texas. The company also expects to increase Starship launches to once a week in early 2027, focusing on making the rocket fully reusable and preparing for refueling tests needed for NASA moon missions.Key Facts
- SpaceX will try to catch both the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage during the 15th test flight.
- The launch and catch will happen at SpaceX’s Starbase in South Texas.
- The company is working with the FAA to get approval for returning the rocket over land, including northern Mexico.
- SpaceX plans to refly a Starship upper stage early next year and complete a Starship-to-Starship refueling test in early 2027.
- Refueling in orbit is critical for NASA’s Artemis Program, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon.
- Elon Musk expects to reach weekly Starship launches by the first half of 2027 and twice a week in the second half.
- The goal is to make Starship fully reusable, allowing rapid launches with little or no refurbishment between flights.
- Achieving full reuse of an orbital rocket would be a first in spaceflight.
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