Mechazilla has caught the Super Heavy booster! pic.twitter.com/6R5YatSVJX
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 13, 2024
In a historic moment for spaceflight, SpaceX successfully caught its Super Heavy booster using the launch tower’s mechanical arms, affectionately known as “chopsticks,” during the fifth test flight of the Starship system. This unprecedented feat marks a significant milestone in the company’s pursuit of rapid rocket reusability.
The Launch and Ascent
On October 13, 2024, at 8:25 a.m. Eastern Time, the Starship/Super Heavy vehicle lifted off from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas[1]. The massive 397-foot-tall rocket, powered by 33 Raptor engines, soared into the clear morning sky, putting on a spectacular show for onlookers[2].
Booster Separation and Return
Approximately three minutes and 40 seconds into the flight, the Super Heavy booster, known as Booster 12, separated from the Starship upper stage[4]. In a carefully choreographed maneuver, the booster flipped around and reignited 13 of its Raptor engines to reverse course and head back towards the launch site[4].
The Precision Descent
As the booster approached the launch pad, it executed a series of precise burns to control its descent. The flight computer guided the massive 230-foot-tall booster with remarkable accuracy, aiming for a spot between the launch tower’s mechanical arms[4].
The Catch
Seven minutes after liftoff, the Super Heavy booster made its final approach to the launch tower[1]. In a breathtaking display of engineering prowess, the booster slowed to a near hover between the two mechanical arms of the “Mechazilla” catch system[4].
With pinpoint precision, the arms closed around the top of the booster, just below its grid fins[1]. The catch was executed flawlessly, with the booster’s engines shutting down as it was secured by the tower[4].
Significance of the Catch
This successful catch is a crucial step towards SpaceX’s vision of rapid rocket reusability. By returning the booster directly to the launch mount, SpaceX aims to dramatically reduce turnaround time between launches[1]. In theory, this method could allow for refueling and relaunching of the booster within days or even hours.
Reaction and Future Implications
The achievement took even SpaceX leaders by surprise. Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX, expressed her amazement on social media[1]. The success of this maneuver opens up new possibilities for space exploration and commercial spaceflight.
Looking ahead, SpaceX will likely focus on refining this catching process and integrating it into their operational procedures. The ability to quickly reuse the Super Heavy booster could significantly reduce launch costs and increase the frequency of Starship missions, bringing us one step closer to SpaceX’s ambitious goals of lunar and Martian exploration.
This remarkable feat of engineering and precision marks a new chapter in the history of spaceflight, demonstrating once again SpaceX’s innovative approach to solving complex challenges in space technology.
Citations:
[1] https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-fifth-starship-catches-super-heavy-booster/
[2] https://www.npr.org/2024/10/13/nx-s1-5151788/spacex-starship-booster-caught-first-launch
[3] https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-flight-5-launch-super-heavy-booster-catch-success-video
[4] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-pulls-off-unprecedented-feat-grabbing-descending-rocket-with-mechanical-arms/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUrL-ZU8dkg
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/comments/1g2ooyx/mechazilla_has_caught_the_super_heavy_booster/
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwR6caqf8GA
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/1g3jwac/chinese_researchers_break_rsa_encryption_with_a/
