SpaceX to attempt double catch of huge Starship rocket
SpaceX is preparing for a test flight of its Starship rocket, during which it will attempt to catch both the booster and the upper stage using mechanical arms. This mission aims to advance the company's goal of creating a fully reusable launch system.
Why it matters
Full reusability of the Starship rocket could drastically reduce the cost of space travel and is critical for NASA's Artemis lunar missions.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Starship is the tallest, heaviest and most powerful rocket ever flown
SpaceX will attempt to catch both parts of its huge Starship rocket after it launches on its next test flight on Friday.
Elon Musk's company will use the mechanical arms - nicknamed chopsticks - on its launch tower to grab the rocket parts mid-air as they return to Earth.
If successful, this will be the first full recovery of a rocket that's been to space, paving the way for making Starship reusable so it can fly repeatedly.
Nasa will be closely watching the flight: the SpaceX rocket is set to play a vital part in its Artemis programme, which will see astronauts land on the Moon.
Image source, SpaceX Image caption, The lower section of Starship has been recovered three times by the "chopsticks" on the launch tower
Headlinne story · 4 newsrooms
SpaceX Prepares Historic Double Catch Attempt for Massive Starship Rocket
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