After the impressive show last week with Robocab, Robovan, and Optimus, Elon Musk delivered another spectacular feat this weekend. His company, SpaceX, achieved a milestone in rocket reusability with its latest test. During this mission, the Super Heavy-Starship rocket was launched from the Boca Chica facility in Texas, marking the first time a rocket booster has been captured mid-air by mechanical arms. This maneuver, often referred to as the “mechazilla” system, successfully retrieved the 230-foot-tall Super Heavy booster as it descended back to the launch pad.
This test flight was the fifth for SpaceX’s Super Heavy-Starship rocket system. The first stage of the rocket, known as the Super Heavy booster, separated as planned after liftoff and executed a return flight to the launch pad. Upon its return, the mechanical arms, designed to capture and secure the booster, moved into position to grab the rocket in mid-descent. This achievement demonstrates SpaceX’s continued progress toward fully reusable rockets, which can be quickly refurbished and relaunched.
The Starship upper stage also performed well, orbiting Earth before re-entering the atmosphere and splashing down in the Indian Ocean. Enhanced heat shields and steering systems helped it endure the extreme heat of re-entry, another critical aspect of SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology.
Thousands of distinct vehicle and pad criteria had to be met prior to catching the Super Heavy booster. Thanks to the tireless work of SpaceX engineers, we succeeded with catch on our first attempt. pic.twitter.com/6wa5v6xHI0
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 13, 2024
