SpaceX to decide whether to catch Starship rocket top part
The company aims to recover the upper stage of the rocket to achieve full reusability and reduce launch costs.
SpaceX will decide later whether to attempt to catch the top part of its Starship rocket as it returns to Earth, according to BBC News. The 124m-tall rocket successfully launched from the Starbase launchpad in Boca Chica, Texas, at 16:47 local time on Friday.
The company initially planned to catch both the Super Heavy booster and the upper stage, known as the Ship, using mechanical arms nicknamed chopsticks. However, the attempt to catch the booster was aborted after it activated an automated system, diverting it to the ocean where it exploded.
A SpaceX spokesperson said during a livestream that safety is the number one priority and the company is prioritising performing manoeuvres safely while testing new things. The Ship is expected to complete 14 orbits before returning to the launch tower at approximately 15:15 local time on Saturday.
SpaceX stated it will only decide to attempt the catch after assessing the vehicle in space. If problems are detected, the rocket stage can be brought down in the ocean.
The progress of Starship is linked to Nasa's goal of landing humans on the Moon in 2028. SpaceX has a contract to configure the Ship into a lander for this purpose. Blue Origin also holds a contract to use its New Glenn rocket and lander for the Moon touchdown.