SpaceX has completed a full-duration static fire of all 33 engines on the Super Heavy booster for Starship Flight 15, ahead of its planned November launch and ambitious double tower catch attempt.
SpaceX confirmed the test on October 25, with all 33 Raptor engines firing for the full planned duration at Pad 2 in Starbase, Texas.
The booster, identified as Booster 22, is expected to fly alongside Ship 42 on the upcoming mission. (via NASASpaceflight).
While the booster has completed this major test, preparations for the upper stage are still underway. Ship 42 was moved back to SpaceX’s Massey’s test facility for additional cryogenic proof testing, according to the report.
SpaceX removed all six engines from Ship 42 before the latest round of testing. Once those checks are complete, the spacecraft is expected to return to Mega Bay 2 for engine installation ahead of its own static fire.
The preparations come as SpaceX works toward what could be its most ambitious Starship recovery attempt yet. During the company’s October 20 earnings call, Musk said Flight 15 would attempt to catch both stages using the launch tower.
SpaceX has already caught the Super Heavy booster three times, beginning with Flight 5 in October 2024. However, the company has never attempted to catch the Starship upper stage.
The company expects its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licence to authorize both vehicles to return for tower catches, a major change from previous missions that focused on recovering the booster.
Flight 15 will also follow Flight 14’s successful orbital mission, during which Starship reached orbit and deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites.
According to the report, Ship 42 could be ready for flight in early November, with unofficial air traffic planning information pointing to a launch no earlier than November 8. SpaceX has not announced an official launch date.
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