Starship reaches orbit as Flight 15 booster recovery attempt fails

SpaceX’s fifteenth Starship test flight delivered a mixed result: the upper stage reached orbit and deployed 26 advanced Starlink satellites, while the Super Heavy booster diverted from its planned return and was lost offshore. The flight had been intended to include a first booster return toward the launch site.

The spacecraft continued its planned orbital mission after separation. The successful ascent and payload deployment produced useful programme data, while the failed recovery underlined how much work remains before rapid, routine reuse can be demonstrated.