SpaceX eyes tower catch for next Starship after successful 13th flight
Following an auspicious conclusion to its 13th flight test, SpaceX is gearing up to attempt a launch tower catch for the next Starship.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- SpaceX plans to attempt a tower catch for Starship on its upcoming flight.
- The decision follows an auspicious and successful conclusion to the 13th flight test.
- This method is crucial for achieving rapid reusability of the spacecraft.
SpaceX is very likely to attempt catching the Starship vehicle right back at the launch mount during its next flight test, marking a major milestone in the development program.
This ambitious move comes on the heels of the 13th flight test, which concluded auspiciously and provided engineers with the confidence needed to push forward with more complex recovery maneuvers.
Catching rockets using the launch tower arms—colloquially known as Mechazilla—eliminates the need for heavy landing legs on the spacecraft, significantly reducing mass and enabling faster turnaround times for subsequent flights, which is vital for achieving high launch cadences.
By eyeing a tower catch for the upper-stage Starship, SpaceX is building upon the momentum and operational experience gained from successfully catching Super Heavy boosters in previous missions.
Source: Ars Technica
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