SpaceX successfully catches returning Starship booster
TechCrunchOct 13
SpaceX Launches Starship Rocket, Catches Booster in Metal Arms
Above: The SpaceX Starship lifts off from Starbase near Boca Chica, Texas, on Oct. 13, 2024, for the Starship Flight 5 test. Image copyright: Sergio Flores/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
SpaceX launched its fifth Starship test flight on Sunday, with liftoff occurring at 8:25 am ET from SpaceX's Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
Rather than have the rocket's first stage Super Heavy 233-foot booster land in the ocean, SpaceX guided it gently back to its launch site, where the over 400-foot tower it had blasted off from caught it with mechanical arms.
The Spin
Narrative A
This launch represents a significant step forward in reusable rocket technology. The ability to catch and rapidly reuse the Super Heavy booster could dramatically reduce launch costs and turnaround times. Success here would be a game-changer for space exploration and could accelerate plans for lunar and Mars missions.
Narrative B
The ambitious nature of this test raises concerns. Elon Musk has created a space monopoly, which could hinder space exploration. This should trigger alarm among competition regulators as SpaceX's dominance in the rocket launch market could jeopardize the commercial prospects of the industry.