SpaceX Catches Starship For First Time
SpaceX caught Starship returning from orbit for the first time despite losing its booster.
November 14, 2026 · Updated Nov 14, 8:17pm ET
The New York TimesSpaceX Makes History With Successful Rocket Catch in Texas
CNBCSpaceX catches upper stage of Starship rocket in historic first
Fox BusinessSpaceX makes history as Starship spacecraft caught by launch tower for first time
The GuardianSpaceX’s Starship returns to launch pad from orbit in victory for company
ABC NewsSpaceX’s attempt for a Starship double catch was thwarted when the booster ended up in the gulf
The Daily WireSpaceX Catches Starship With Giant Launchpad Arms In Dramatic First
Los Angeles TimesSpaceX’s Starship soars into orbit after booster explosion foils unprecedented maneuver
NPRSpaceX makes history with Starship catch
Breitbart NewsSpaceX's Starship set for return to Earth after booster catch aborted
PBS NewsHourSpaceX’s Starship returns from orbit and is captured by launch pad arms in a dramatic first
ARS TechnicaWith Starship catch, SpaceX still shows it can dazzle the world
New York PostSpaceX’s Starship soars into orbit — after booster explodes in Gulf of Mexico
Al JazeeraSpaceX’s Starship captured by launchpad arms in dramatic first
UPISpaceX catches Starship at launch tower for first time
Epoch TimesSpaceX Sends 2nd Starship Into Orbit, Aborts Booster Catch at Launchpad
The VergeWatch SpaceX successfully execute the first ‘chopstick’ catch of Starship
CBS NewsSpaceX pulls off dramatic midair catch of Starship rocket after fiery plunge from orbit
The Gateway PunditWATCH: SpaceX Booster Explodes During Test Flight at Starbase
HuffPostSpaceX’s Starship Returns From Orbit And Is Captured By Launch Pad Arms In A Dramatic First
Washington TimesSpaceX’s Starship soars into orbit after booster explosion prevents an unprecedented double catch
MEDIAite‘Never Happened Before!’ Excited CNN Reporter Geeks Out As SpaceX ‘Catches’ Massive Rocket
Washington ExaminerSpaceX's Starship returns from orbit and is captured by launch pad arms in a dramatic first
Just the NewsSpaceX catches rocket returning from orbit in historic feat
NewsmaxSpaceX Starship Returns to Earth in Historic Midair Catch
Daily MailElon Musk setback as bid to catch SpaceX rocket ends in fireball
Hot AirHere's Why the Flight 15 Booster Catch Was Abandoned
26%
Left · 9
23%
Center · 8
51%
Right · 18
Pano counted 35 articles from 27 outlets: 26% left-leaning, 23% center and 51% right-leaning. Pano rates the coverage Leans Right.
What happened
- SpaceX caught Starship’s upper stage returning from orbit for the first time Saturday, using giant mechanical arms at its Texas launch tower.
- The spacecraft circled Earth 14 times during its roughly 22-hour mission before descending and turning upright for the catch.
- The successful recovery came despite Friday’s loss of the Super Heavy booster, which prevented SpaceX from catching both rocket stages.
- The catch advances SpaceX’s effort to build a fully reusable rocket system designed to lower launch costs and allow more frequent flights.
- Catching both stages on one flight remains a goal as SpaceX develops Starship for missions including NASA’s planned 2028 return to the moon.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets framed the catch as a major engineering milestone despite the booster loss. The New York Times called it a “remarkable feat” toward fully reusable rockets, while The Guardian described a “victory for SpaceX” even though its double-catch ambitions fell short.
How the right told it
Right-leaning outlets framed the catch as a historic achievement advancing SpaceX’s reusable-rocket ambitions, while acknowledging the booster loss. Fox Business emphasized lower costs and more frequent missions; The Daily Wire called the catch a “monumental feat” but noted the flight “did not go completely as planned.”
Starship Test Campaign
Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Nov 14SpaceX Catches Starship For First Time (this story)Leans Right
- Nov 13SpaceX Aborts Starship Double CatchLeans Left
