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Watch: SpaceX catches part of its Starship rocket on return to Earth

BBC News •
November 14, 2026 • 10:09 PM
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SpaceX has performed the historic catch using mechanical arms nicknamed "chopsticks".

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SpaceX has successfully caught the top part of its huge Starship rocket on its return to Earth for the first time.

"Can you believe it?," a commentator said as large crowds cheered at the launch site in Texas.

The company had hoped to catch both the bottom and upper stages of the rocket using mechanical arms - nicknamed chopsticks - on its launch tower.

But the first catch of the rocket's booster was aborted a few minutes after the launch on Friday. The booster was diverted to the ocean, bursting into flames just above the sea.

The top part, known as the Ship, returned to Earth a few minutes behind schedule at around 15:27 local time (21:27 GMT) on Saturday and was successfuly caught.

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Same Story from Other Publications

Compare how 6 other independent news outlets reported on this story.

6 Publications
The Guardian
23h ago
SpaceX Starship megarocket blasts off before expected return for reuse

SpaceX Starship megarocket blasts off before expected return for reuse

Flight 15 expected to orbit Earth about 14 times over 22 hours, before company catches it at Starbase, Texas

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CNBC World
1h ago
SpaceX catches upper stage of Starship rocket in historic first

SpaceX catches upper stage of Starship rocket in historic first

Starship Test Flight 15 marked the first time Elon Musk's company tried to catch both the booster and upper stage of the rocket.

#starship #spacex #catches
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The Australian Financial Review (AFR)
46m ago
Giant robot arms catch massive Starship rocket in dramatic first

Giant robot arms catch massive Starship rocket in dramatic first

The latest test flight of the SpaceX rocket made history when its orbital craft re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and returned to the launch where it started.

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CNN International
1d ago
SpaceX’s latest rocket move could change spaceflight forever | CNN

SpaceX’s latest rocket move could change spaceflight forever | CNN

For decades, space travel has meant throwing away millions of dollars on one-time-use rockets and parts. Enter Starship. If Elon Musk’s SpaceX can “catch” its latest spaceship after it reenters Earth’s atmosphere, the company could change space exploration forever.

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NPR News
1h ago
SpaceX successfully catches Starship and makes history

SpaceX successfully catches Starship and makes history

The company's spacecraft returned to its Texas launchpad in dramatic fashion — by carefully lowering itself until two metal arms attached to the launch tower could secure it.

#starship #spacex #catches
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The Verge
1h ago
Watch SpaceX successfully execute the first ‘chopstick’ catch of Starship

Watch SpaceX successfully execute the first ‘chopstick’ catch of Starship

SpaceX captured Starship using the arms of ‘Mechazilla’ its launch and catch tower for the first time.

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