SpaceX achieved a significant milestone on Sunday with the successful mid-air catch of its Super Heavy booster, marking a historic moment in space exploration.
This test flight saw the Starship rocket launched from Boca Chica, Texas, with the booster returning to be caught by “Mechazilla,” a mechanism with chopstick-like arms. This maneuver is crucial for SpaceX’s goal of making rockets fully reusable, which could revolutionize space travel by reducing costs significantly.
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
Learn more about the all-new VT News and subscribe today!
The test is part of SpaceX’s broader plans to support NASA’s Artemis missions, aiming to return astronauts to the Moon and eventually reach Mars.
Elon Musk and SpaceX’s team celebrated this feat as a significant step towards making life multi-planetary.
Big step towards making life multiplanetary was made today https://t.co/dwE5MExToI
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 13, 2024
The upper stage of the Starship also performed successfully, completing its planned trajectory before splashing down in the Indian Ocean.
Add comment