SpaceX is preparing Starship Flight 15 for no earlier than Friday, November 13, with the aim of achieving the first double capture of the system. The mission includes catching both the Super Heavy booster and the spacecraft with the launch tower after re-entry.

The Booster 22 booster has already been moved to Starbase's Pad 2, a sign of progress in preparation for the launch. The operation still depends on final approval from the FAA.

A double capture would involve recovering both elements simultaneously, reducing reconditioning times and increasing the cadence of flights. This approach is key to the rapid reuse that SpaceX seeks to consolidate.

The capture tower, already tested in previous missions with the Super Heavy, will now have to synchronize maneuvers with the ship descending at high speed. The margin for error is minimal and requires precise coordination of software and hardware.

For Latin America, the development accelerates competition in reusable launchers and could influence orbit access costs for regional satellites.

Operational risks include weather conditions in Texas, launch windows, and regulatory clearance. Any delays would affect the planning of subsequent missions.

The space community is closely following this milestone, which would mark a leap in Starship's operations and in the economic viability of the platform.

What's next: FAA confirmation, launch window, and live stream of the double-capture attempt from Starbase.
Sources: Shutter to the Stars