✅ Confirmed
Elon Musk
Noticia
SpaceX to attempt catching Starship rocket on next test flight
SpaceX plans to try catching its Starship spacecraft using giant mechanical arms during the next test flight, following a successful mission where the rocket completed a controlled ocean landing. CEO Elon Musk stated that unless issues arise from the data review, the company will attempt to catch the ship with the tower on the next flight. On its 13th test mission, Starship reached space, deployed 20 Starlink V3 satellites, and performed a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean, remaining intact and sending onboard video. SpaceX has already caught the Super Heavy booster with metal arms at
- Starship completed 13 test flights deploying 20 Starlink V3 satellites
- SpaceX will attempt to catch the spacecraft with mechanical arms next flight
🔎 Why it matters: The plan to catch Starship with mechanical arms on the next flight is a key milestone for rapid vehicle reuse and cost reduction, per Elon Musk.
📈 Upside: Catching the spacecraft in flight will enable faster reuse and lower operational costs.
📉 Risk: A failed catch could delay rapid reuse goals and increase costs.
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