SpaceX attempted the 15th flight test of its Starship system on Friday, launching the full stack comprising the Starship spacecraft and the Super Heavy booster. The launch proceeded as scheduled, but the Super Heavy booster failed to execute its planned return trajectory to the launch site. Instead of landing on the landing pad, the booster descended into the Gulf of Mexico and splashed down in the water. The intended recovery method involved the launch tower’s mechanical arms catching the booster after a controlled descent. Engineers observed that the booster’s aerodynamic controls did not perform as expected during the re‑entry phase. The incident prompted an automatic abort of the recovery sequence, and safety protocols were followed to secure the splashdown area. SpaceX officials indicated that data from the flight would be analyzed to improve future return attempts.