SpaceX Attempts First-Ever Rocket Catch at Launch Site

SpaceX plans to attempt the first-ever capture of both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship spacecraft at the launch site next month. This operation will mark the first full recovery of an orbital rocket.

How the system works

The launch vehicle consists of two stages: the Super Heavy booster and the Starship spacecraft, which is the largest space vehicle in human history. The structure reaches a height of 120 meters with a diameter of 9 meters. The Raptor engines run on methane and liquid oxygen. Both stages return to the launch tower, where they are caught mid-air by mechanical arms resembling chopsticks.

Launch history

Last month, Starship reached orbit for the first time, deploying dozens of Starlink V3 satellites. However, one Raptor engine shut down prematurely, reducing the flight from the planned 10 hours to about 3 hours. As a result, both stages crashed into the ocean, and neither was recovered.

Prospects and cost

Elon Musk called this technology a major milestone in civilization's history. He noted that success on the first attempts is not guaranteed, but the odds lean positive. If SpaceX learns to catch both stages, launch costs would be determined solely by fuel prices. This would allow the company to significantly outpace competitors, including Chinese projects, in the race for affordable space access.