Setback for SpaceX Starship Rocket's Double-Catch Test
SpaceX aborted its attempt to catch the bottom part of its huge Starship rocket during its latest test flight. The goal was to retrieve it using mechanical arms, nicknamed "chopsticks," but it was diverted to the ocean, bursting into flames upon descent. The top part of the rocket, now continuing its journey to space, may be targeted for a catch at approximately 1515 local time (2115 GMT) on Saturday.
This marks SpaceX's inaugural attempt at fully recovering its rocket, a crucial step towards making the Starship fully reusable, enabling multiple flights and cost reduction.
The 124m-tall rocket successfully launched from the Starbase launchpad in Boca Chica, Texas on Friday at 1645 local time (2245 GMT). Six and a half minutes later, it was expected to be caught by the launch tower's chopsticks, but it veered off course towards the ocean.
A SpaceX spokesperson explained during a live stream, "Safety is always the top priority, and we're still testing things we haven't done before on these vehicles. We're prioritizing performing each maneuver safely."
The Ship, the top part of the rocket, is en route to space, deploying 26 satellites for the Starlink constellation, providing high-speed internet. After completing 14 orbits, it will return to the launch tower in approximately 22.5 hours, potentially allowing a second catch attempt.
Until now, SpaceX has successfully caught the Super Heavy Booster on three previous test flights. However, this is the first time they've attempted to retrieve the upper stage, which has always splashed down in the ocean.
Building a fully reusable rocket is a long-standing goal for SpaceX. In 2015, they became the first company to land a rocket booster vertically with their Falcon 9. Now, Falcon 9 rockets fly over 100 times annually, significantly reducing launch costs. Achieving the same with Starship could take reusability to a new level, according to Prof. Malcolm Macdonald, President of the Royal Aeronautical Society:
"Full reusability has the potential to fundamentally change the economics of accessing space. One successful flight won't prove the model, but it could mark an important transition: from demonstrating that Starship can fly to demonstrating how Starship could operate."
This flight is closely watched by SpaceX's shareholders and NASA, as it has direct implications for NASA's Artemis III mission aiming to land humans on the Moon in 2028. SpaceX has been contracted to modify the Ship into a lunar lander, while Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos, also has a contract for their New Glenn rocket and lander. Both companies will play pivotal roles in Artemis III, scheduled for summer 2027.