SpaceX’s Starship rocket achieved a groundbreaking feat during its fifth test flight, as its lower half, the Super Heavy booster, was successfully captured by mechanical arms near the launch pad, marking a major step toward developing a fully reusable rocket.
The test, which brings SpaceX closer to its goal of rapid rocket redeployment, saw the booster land safely after a flight that mimicked previous launches. SpaceX engineers celebrated the achievement, which was initially considered improbable, given the complex technical criteria required to pull off such a landing.
The rocket’s top portion, known as the Ship, also achieved its goal by landing accurately in the Indian Ocean after separation.
SpaceX’s progress comes as the company continues to develop the Starship system, which is intended to carry humans to the Moon and Mars.
Despite technical successes, SpaceX has faced challenges with U.S. regulatory authorities, including an ongoing dispute with the FAA over environmental concerns and flight permits.
However, these technical strides and successful tests are vital for SpaceX’s ambitions and NASA’s plans to return astronauts to the Moon by 2026.
Starship rocket booster caught by tower pic.twitter.com/aOQmSkt6YE
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 13, 2024
