SpaceX set a new milestone in space exploration on October 13, successfully catching its giant Starship booster mid-air using specially designed mechanical arms during a test flight in South Texas. The groundbreaking feat marks the first time a rocket booster has been captured in such a way, pushing the boundaries of reusable spaceflight technology.
The 400-foot Starship rocket, the most powerful ever built, lifted off from SpaceX’s Starbase at 8:25 a.m. EDT. After launch, the 233-foot Super Heavy booster, powered by 33 Raptor engines, separated and descended back toward the launch pad. In a dramatic moment, the booster was caught by two massive mechanical arms attached to the launch tower, an innovation referred to as “Mechazilla.”
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confirmed the achievement with a post on social media, while SpaceX engineer Kate Tice described the day as one for “engineering history books.” Commentators called the moment “magical” as the successful catch was completed on the first-ever attempt.
The mission also tested the upper stage of Starship, which reached space and completed a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean about an hour after liftoff. The success of this flight represents a major step forward for SpaceX’s goal of creating fully reusable rockets, with the ultimate aim of sending humans to Mars.
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