SpaceX is preparing for its first attempt to “catch” the first stage of the Super Heavy launch vehicle during its return to Earth. The company’s engineers have spent several years developing this technology, which they plan to apply during Starship’s fifth test flight. In order to thank its experts for their titanic labor, the company published a photo with construction workers posing, reproducing the iconic “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photo taken in New York City in 1932. The post also includes a photo of what the super-heavy first stage booster will look like clamped between the tower’s giant mechanical arms after the Starship upper stage spacecraft is launched into orbit.
Rocket reuse is a key element of SpaceX’s strategy, as it reduces the cost of flights and allows new launches to be conducted quickly. The company now uses the first stage and payload fairing of the Falcon 9 rocket, as well as the more powerful Falcon Heavy. At the same time, SpaceX is working on an even more powerful Starship for interplanetary flights.
SpaceX engineers have spent years preparing and months testing for the booster catch attempt on Flight 5, with technicians pouring tens of thousands of hours into building the infrastructure to maximize our chances for success pic.twitter.com/YzBUxY9c5t
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 25, 2024
Elon Musk emphasizes the importance of fully reusable rockets, calling it the “Holy Grail” of rocket science. According to him, this technology will significantly increase the frequency of launches and make space exploration more accessible. Musk notes that Starship will allow for rapid launch, landing and relaunch, far exceeding the current capabilities of the Falcon 9, which requires a new booster for each mission.
SpaceX is ready for Starship’s fifth test flight from its base in Boca Chica, Texas. However, the launch is dependent on obtaining a permit from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Obtaining permission is delayed due to changes the company has made to the mission profile, which has displeased SpaceX.
Previously, we shared everything you wanted to know about Starship.
According to Digital Trends
