SpaceX is preparing to attempt something that has never been done before.
Catch an entire orbital rocket system using giant mechanical arms. Both stages. On the same mission.
During SpaceX's Q3 2026 earnings presentation, Elon Musk and Gwynne Shotwell confirmed an ambitious plan for the upcoming Starship Flight 15, currently targeted for November 2026.
And this time, catching the Super Heavy booster isn't enough.
They want to catch Starship itself, too.
Here's the plan:
Super Heavy booster: Return to Starbase and be caught by the launch tower's giant mechanical arms, nicknamed "Mechazilla chopsticks."
Starship spacecraft: Return from orbit, survive atmospheric reentry, and be caught by the tower instead of splashing down in the ocean.
Both stages recovered: A potential historic milestone toward a fully reusable orbital launch system.
SpaceX is already working with the FAA on regulatory approval for returning and catching both stages at Starbase.
And Elon Musk sounds surprisingly optimistic.
He described the chances of success as "more likely than not."
Of course, catching a massive spacecraft returning from orbit is a completely different challenge from recovering a booster.
And success is far from guaranteed.
But if SpaceX pulls this off, it could mark a major breakthrough in reusable rocket technology.
Why does this matter?
Because the ultimate goal isn't simply landing rockets.
It's building a transportation system where both stages can be recovered, refurbished, and launched again, eventually operating more like aircraft than disposable spacecraft.
That could dramatically change the economics of reaching orbit and support future missions to the Moon and Mars.
In this video, you'll see:
SpaceX's official animation of the planned Starship tower catch
The proposed Flight 15 recovery sequence
Highlights from Starship Flight 14, which successfully reached orbit and deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites
Flight 15 is currently expected in November 2026, pending regulatory approval and launch readiness.
One giant rocket. Two extraordinary catches.
Fingers crossed. This is going to be quite a show.
SpaceX Q3 2026 presentation:
https://ir.spacex.com/events/event-details/2026/Q3-2026-Earnings/default.aspx
Starship Flight 14 recap:
https://www.spacex.com/launches/starship-flight-14
SpaceX Starship program:
https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship
#SpaceX #Starship #StarshipFlight15 #Mechazilla #ElonMusk #RocketLaunch
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