This exceptional maneuver could be a major step towards the reuse of this heavy launcher

On October 13, 2024, during a test flight, SpaceX performed a daring and unprecedented maneuver: capturing the first stage of its Starship mega rocket using gigantic mechanical arms. This landmark moment could pave the way for the reuse of this heavy launcher.

Starship’s fifth test flight took off at 7:25 a.m. local time from the company’s private base in Texas. Seven minutes later, after propelling the craft with its 33 powerful engines, the Super Heavy launcher returned to its launch pad. The mechanical arms, called Mechazilla, installed on the launch tower, then closed on it to immobilize it.

Previously, the 70-meter-high launcher (120 meters for the complete rocket) was destined to dive into the ocean. SpaceX stressed that its engineers had spent years preparing this capture attempt. Meanwhile, the Starship continued its flight and successfully ditched in the Indian Ocean, achieving a soft landing for the first time on its last test flight four months ago.