SpaceX Makes History: First Mid-Air Catch of Starship Returning From Orbit
On November 14, 2026, SpaceX pulled off what no government program or foreign competitor has achieved. During Flight 15, the Starship upper stage returned from orbit after more than 22 hours in space and was caught mid-air by the launch tower’s mechanical arms at Starbase, Texas.
The Super Heavy booster aborted its planned catch over a guidance issue and diverted to the Gulf. The ship did not. Ship 42 deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites, completed roughly 14 orbits, survived reentry, aligned with the tower, and was grasped by the chopsticks. SpaceX confirmed it in real time: Mechazilla catches Starship
On November 14, 2026, SpaceX pulled off what no government program or foreign competitor has achieved. During Flight 15, the Starship upper stage returned from orbit after more than 22 hours in space and was caught mid-air by the launch tower’s mechanical arms at Starbase, Texas.
The Super Heavy booster aborted its planned catch over a guidance issue and diverted to the Gulf. The ship did not. Ship 42 deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites, completed roughly 14 orbits, survived reentry, aligned with the tower, and was grasped by the chopsticks. SpaceX confirmed it in real time: Mechazilla catches Starship
