SpaceX has been diligently testing the mechanical arms that will attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster at the end of its fifth test flight, which could occur as early as next month. A short video released by the company shows one of these giant arms clasping a rocket part, serving as a rehearsal for the highly anticipated “catch” maneuver. This maneuver will take place as the booster returns to the launch tower at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, shortly after deploying the upper stage Starship spacecraft to orbit.
To further illustrate this complex operation, SpaceX also released a computer-generated video showcasing how a perfect homecoming of the Super Heavy booster will unfold. The footage depicts the Super Heavy booster performing a landing burn as it approaches the tower. The mechanical arms gracefully secure the vehicle as it comes close, ensuring a safe and controlled landing. This ability to return the booster after launch is a core component to achieving the ambitious goal of making Starship rapidly and reliably reusable.
SpaceX has been pushing the boundaries of spaceflight with their Starship program since April 2023. The first flight ended in an explosion just minutes after launch, and the second flight also resulted in an explosion, albeit after the two sections had successfully separated. The third test, however, lasted around 45 minutes and achieved many of the mission goals. The fourth test, conducted earlier this month, was the most successful yet, with both the booster and the spacecraft successfully performing landing burns for the first time. Both parts ultimately landed on water.
The upcoming flight, however, marks a pivotal moment for the Starship program. It will witness SpaceX’s first attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster as it returns to the launch site. While SpaceX has already mastered the landing procedure for its reliable Falcon 9 rocket, the Super Heavy poses a unique challenge. At 70 meters tall and lacking landing legs, the Super Heavy’s flight home will require exceptional accuracy to enable the tower’s arms to secure the booster as it approaches. In contrast, the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket, standing at 50 meters tall, utilizes legs for an upright landing.
When fully tested and operational, the Starship is poised to revolutionize space travel. It is expected to transport crew and cargo to the moon, Mars, and even beyond, unlocking new possibilities for human exploration and scientific discovery. The successful implementation of the booster catch maneuver is a critical step towards realizing this ambitious vision.
