SpaceX Aborts Starship Double Catch
SpaceX aborted its double-catch attempt after a booster malfunction; Starship reached orbit.
November 13, 2026 · Updated Nov 13, 9:10pm ET
HuffPostSpaceX’s Starship Soars Into Orbit After Double Catch Thwarted By Booster Malfunction
CBS NewsSpaceX launches milestone Starship flight to demonstrate full reusability of orbit-class rocket
Breitbart NewsSpaceX aims for first double catch of Starship in its most ambitious test flight yet
The GuardianSpaceX Starship megarocket blasts off before expected return for reuse
ARS TechnicaRocket Report: Starship set for historic test flight; a century of Electron
World News GroupSpaceX to try catching both rocket, booster after liftoff
PBS NewsHourSpaceX’s Starship soars into orbit after booster malfunction thwarts double catch attempt
USA TODAYSpaceX's next Starship launch could last a day, and you can watch it all
ZeroHedgeSpaceX Aborts Starship/Booster 'Double Chopsticks' Recovery
CNNLive updates: SpaceX aims to make history in Starship’s 15th test
UPISpaceX launches Starship into orbit, aborts booster catch attempt
Boston GlobeSpaceX aims for first double catch of Starship in its most ambitious test flight yet
Associated PressSpaceX aims for first double catch of Starship in its most ambitious test flight yet
Scientific AmericanStarship Flight 15 will put SpaceX’s moonshots to the test
BBC NewsElon Muskâs SpaceX to attempt double catch of Starship rocket
GizmodoHow to Watch SpaceX's First Ever Double Starship Catch Attempt
NewsNationSpace X prepares for historic Starship launch
CNBCSpaceX launches Starship in key test flight of massive rocket
NBC NewsSpaceX launches 15th Starship flight; aborts booster recovery maneuver
NPRSpaceX's giant rocket may leave NASA in the dust
CNETSpaceX Attempts History Friday With the First-Ever Double Catch
30%
Left · 7
57%
Center · 13
13%
Right · 3
Pano counted 23 articles from 21 outlets: 30% left-leaning, 57% center and 13% right-leaning. Pano rates the coverage Leans Left.
What happened
- SpaceX aborted its planned Starship double catch Friday after a booster malfunction, but the spacecraft reached orbit.
- The Super Heavy booster was diverted into the Gulf of Mexico and exploded before hitting the water; the exact cause of the aborted catch remained unknown.
- The company had planned to catch both rocket stages with giant mechanical arms at its Texas launch tower, testing its goal of full reusability.
- The spacecraft deployed 26 Starlink internet satellites during Starship’s 15th test flight.
- SpaceX still plans to attempt its first catch of the spacecraft returning from orbit Saturday, after a flight lasting about 22 hours.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets framed the flight as an ambitious test of rocket reusability, with updated reports balancing the booster setback against orbital success. HuffPost and PBS called it SpaceX’s “boldest test yet,” while The Guardian said catching the upper stage could still mark a milestone.
How the right told it
Right-leaning outlets framed the mission as a potential breakthrough in reusable spaceflight. Breitbart called it SpaceX’s “boldest test yet,” and World News Group explained the recovery plan and safety options. ZeroHedge’s update reported that a technical issue thwarted the double catch and the diverted booster exploded.
Starship Test Campaign
Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Nov 14SpaceX Catches Starship For First TimeLeans Right
- Nov 13SpaceX Aborts Starship Double Catch (this story)Leans Left
