# SpaceX Starship megarocket blasts off before expected return for reuse

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/spacex-starship-megarocket-blasts-off-before-expected-return-for-reuse/
- Published: 2026-11-13T23:38:09+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-14T00:03:30+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/nov/13/spacex-starship-megarocket-blasts-off-earth-orbit
- Topics: Business, Companies, Culture, Space, Technology, Travel, World

## Key points

- Starship launched from Texas for a planned 22-hour flight.
- The booster splashed down at sea instead of returning to the tower.
- Starship continued into space as SpaceX tested rocket reuse.

## Summary

SpaceX launched its Starship megarocket from Texas on Friday, aiming to recover both the booster and spacecraft for reuse. The attempt matters because catching both components would mark a major step towards making the vehicle reusable.

The flight was expected to complete about 14 Earth orbits over 22 hours before Starship returned to Starbase. The 33-engine Super Heavy booster was diverted and splashed down at sea for an unknown reason, while Starship continued into space. The launch is part of a series of tests supporting Elon Musk’s plans for human spaceflight.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.