SpaceX launches milestone Starship flight to demonstrate full reusability of orbit-class rocket
Updated on: November 13, 2026 / 9:10 PM EST / CBS News
TL;DR
- SpaceX's 15th Starship test flight aimed to demonstrate full reusability of an orbit-class rocket.
- The Super Heavy booster experienced a technical problem, diverting it to a splashdown and resulting in an explosion.
- The Starship upper stage continued its suborbital trajectory, with plans to attempt a launch pad catch on a subsequent mission.
- SpaceX plans to attempt the first-ever launch pad catch of a Starship upper stage on Saturday.
- The rocket is fueled by liquid oxygen and methane, powered by Raptor engines.
- NASA relies on a Starship variant for Artemis lunar missions, but is hedging its bets with other lander options.