SpaceX catches Starship upper stage using launch tower mechanical arms

SpaceX successfully caught the Starship upper stage using the mechanical arms of the Mechazilla launch tower at Starbase, South Texas, on November 14, 2026. This achievement occurred during the 15th test flight of the system and marked the first time the upper stage was captured by the tower arms.

The spacecraft, designated as Ship 42, remained in orbit for approximately 22 hours and 32 minutes. During this orbital phase, the vehicle completed 14 orbits at an altitude of approximately 275 kilometers. While in space, the Starship spacecraft successfully deployed 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites into orbit. During its descent toward the launch tower, the spacecraft reached a maximum speed of 17,600 mph, which is approximately 28,300 km/h.

Booster return and technical details

While the upper stage achieved a successful capture, the Super Heavy booster, identified as Booster 22, did not return to the launch tower. The return of the booster was aborted automatically after one of its 33 engines failed during the ascent phase, which caused an alignment deviation. Consequently, the booster was diverted for a controlled water landing in the Gulf of Mexico.

Regarding the booster's flight profile, Katie Tice, a SpaceX spokesperson, suggested the return burn ended early due to a low fuel mass alarm. The Starship upper stage utilized updated curved tile thermal protection during this mission to manage the intense heat of reentry. The successful capture of the spacecraft occurred at approximately 21:20 or 21:21 GMT on November 14, 2026, according to mission data.

Mission significance and future goals

The successful capture of the upper stage represents a major milestone for the company. Dan Huot, a SpaceX spokesperson, stated that the catch was the "Holy Grail" of spaceflight, changing everything. To ensure the safety of the operation, Lars Blackmore, a senior engineer at SpaceX, noted that engineers meticulously planned the return path to ensure safety over land.

This mission supports the broader objectives of the company and its partners. SpaceX currently holds a multibillion-dollar NASA contract to develop a modified Starship for lunar missions. This development is a critical component of NASA plans to return astronauts to the lunar surface in 2028. The Starship spacecraft involved in this test flight stands 52 meters tall, while the Super Heavy booster reaches a height of 124 meters.

Glossary

• Mechazilla — Mechazilla is a catching device used at the launch tower. It features mechanical arms used to capture the spacecraft.
• Starbase — Starbase is a major facility of the aerospace company SpaceX used for the development, manufacturing, and testing of its rockets. It serves as the primary launch and recovery facility for the Starship launch vehicle.
• Starlink V3 — Starlink V3 refers to next-generation satellites. These satellites are deployed into orbit by the Starship spacecraft.
• Super Heavy — Super Heavy is a booster that, when stacked with the Starship spacecraft, composes the Starship super heavy-lift space vehicle. It is a component of the Starship system.