SpaceX's mega rocket booster returns to the launch pad to be captured during a test flight Sunday, ... [+] Oct. 13, 2024, in Boca Chica,, Texas. All rights reservedSpaceX has successfully launched its Starship rocket on Sunday morning for a fifth test flight, which featured a successful first-ever attempt to catch the returning Super Heavy booster using mechanical “chopsticks” on the launch tower. Starship and its Super Heavy booster — packed with 10 million pounds of propellant — launched on schedule at 8:25 a.m. At six minutes and 49 seconds after launch, Super Heavy returned to the launch tower and, with precision guidance, nestled into the arms of the “chopsticks” — called “Mechazilla” by SpaceX. Aside from the Super Heavy booster, no hardware was expected to be recovered after the mission.

Source: Forbes October 14, 2024 00:54 UTC