SpaceX is preparing for one of Starship's most ambitious missions yet! Flight 15 will attempt to return the Starship spacecraft to Starbase, Texas, for its first-ever catch by the launch tower's giant mechanical arms. Read more:
Watch animations showing the full mission profile, contingency splashdown plans, and a full-color visualization of Starship's dramatic return and catch attempt at Starbase.
The video breaks down the planned flight from liftoff and orbital insertion to Starlink V3 satellite deployment, a nearly 21-hour orbital coast, atmospheric reentry and Starship's return to the launch site.
The video also includes SpaceX's contingency plan. If issues arise during the extended coast phase, Starship has several precleared splashdown options in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and the Gulf of Mexico.
If successful, Flight 15 would mark a major milestone in the development of Starship and the future of reusable spaceflight.
Credit: SpaceX | edited by Space.com
