SpaceX's successful Flight 13 in July 2026 delivered the first intact Starship upper-stage splashdown with a pristine heat shield and precise positioning, prompting Elon Musk to confirm plans for a Mechazilla tower catch attempt on the subsequent mission unless post-flight data raised concerns. Recent September 2026 rehearsals at Pad 2, including lifting Ship 42 into catch position with the chopstick arms and testing pushers and quick-disconnect systems, have validated hardware for the lighter, higher-speed-returning Ship. Flight 14, targeting mid-to-late September with Ship 41 on an orbital profile, appears unlikely to include a catch due to regulatory and profile constraints, positioning Flight 15 later in the fall as the probable first attempt. These verified milestones and parallel vehicle preparations underpin trader confidence in a catch by late October while highlighting remaining guidance, regulatory, and reentry challenges.