SpaceX achieved a milestone by successfully “catching” the first-stage booster of its Starship megarocket using massive metal arms as it made its way back to the launch pad following a test flight. This marks a significant step in the company’s ambition to create a reusable vehicle for moon and Mars missions.
The Super Heavy first stage booster took off at 7:25 AM (1:25 PM Irish time) from SpaceX’s launch site in Boca Chica, Texas, propelling the Starship second stage into space before detaching at approximately 70 km altitude to initiate its return.
To reduce its rapid descent, the Super Heavy booster re-ignited three of its 33 Raptor engines while aiming for the launch tower from which it had lifted off.
With its engines roaring, the 71-meter-tall booster descended towards two metal arms attached to the tower, securing itself by its four forward grid fins, which it used for aerial maneuvering.
This innovative catch-landing technique is the latest development in SpaceX’s test-to-failure approach for a fully reusable rocket intended to transport more cargo into orbit, carry humans to the moon for NASA, and eventually reach Mars—the ultimate goal envisioned by Elon Musk.
The test flight and landing occurred at SpaceX’s Texas facilities.
The US Federal Aviation Administration granted SpaceX’s launch license for the Starship test after weeks of tension between the company and regulators regarding the speed of launch approvals and fines related to SpaceX’s workhorse rocket, the Falcon 9.
First introduced by Musk in 2017, Starship has experienced multiple explosions during various stages of testing in prior flights; however, it achieved a complete flight successfully for the first time in June.
The two-stage Super Heavy rocket launched from Texas, sending the second stage Starship on a nearly orbital trajectory toward the Indian Ocean about 90 minutes later, successfully executing a fiery hypersonic reentry.
An Irish scientist described SpaceX’s launch as a “moment we will never forget.”
Dr. Niamh Shaw praised SpaceX’s fifth Starship rocket launch as “incredible” and a significant milestone as it marked the first successful attempt to catch a massive booster launch rocket upon its return to Texas today.
The giant robotic arms performed a chopstick maneuver, which is being celebrated as an engineering breakthrough.
Dr. Shaw remarked that the remarkable aspect of today’s achievement is the scale of the rocket.
“It’s on another level entirely, and the goal is to enable faster turnaround times and improved usability.”
“By catching it at the launch pad, they eliminate the need to retrieve it from a barge at sea and then transport it back.”
SpaceX aims to advance the development of reusable rockets.
She stated that today’s accomplishment means the booster will be ready for reuse more quickly, bringing the realization of reusable space vehicles closer for the company.
“None of us anticipated that it would actually happen today because this is an unprecedented endeavor,” she explained.
“They succeeded on the first attempt. Witnessing it descend and being caught by the chopsticks, also known as Mechazilla… it was a truly unforgettable moment.”
She believes that Elon Musk’s vision for SpaceX flights leading to what he describes as multiplanetary life in the future is an ambitious endeavor.
Nonetheless, she asserts that the company will remain at the forefront of space exploration, fostering “significant business for space.”
She also noted that there would be another groundbreaking event tomorrow, with a science experiment being launched to Jupiter on a NASA mission.
“SpaceX is a commercial enterprise making substantial profits,” she added, suggesting that if one were to make a bet, SpaceX would likely play a role in transferring scientific experiments to Mars.
“Let’s focus on reaching the moon first and ensuring human safety before delving into more ambitious prospects.”
