News by Levels · Level 2 · Student worksheet

Starship Test Separates Launch Success from Recovery

In this lesson: Sequence separation, orbit and the change in recovery plans.

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

Starship began its fifteenth test flight on November 13. Its upper stage reached orbit after separating from the Super Heavy booster.

SpaceX called off the booster catch and directed it to a sea landing. The upper stage was scheduled to return later.

Source: Space.com; SpaceX, 2026-11-13. https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-starship-flight-15-chopsticks-double-catch-super-heavy-ship

Read and practise

1. What happened before the upper stage reached orbit?

   1. It separated from the Super Heavy booster
   2. It completed the later return to the launch site
   3. The booster was successfully caught by the tower

2. What does called off mean in this event?

   1. SpaceX finished catching the booster
   2. SpaceX delayed the launch until after the catch
   3. SpaceX cancelled the booster catch

Your turn

Summarise the achieved launch step and the different recovery outcomes.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/starship-flight15-booster-sea-landing-november-2026/level-2/