SpaceX to Attempt Double Catch of Starship Rocket on Next Test Flight
· Technology · BBC News
SpaceX will attempt to catch both parts of its 124-metre Starship rocket during its upcoming test flight from Starbase in Texas on Friday. The launch window opens at 1645 local time, with the Super Heavy booster scheduled to return to the launch tower's mechanical arms after six and a half minutes. The upper stage, known as the Ship, will continue into space to deploy 26 Starlink satellites before attempting a second catch after 14 orbits and 22 and a half hours. SpaceX has previously caught the Super Heavy booster on three test flights, but the upper stage has never been successfully grabbed mid-air. A successful double catch would mark a major step toward full rocket reusability and significantly lower spaceflight costs.
Why it matters
Achieving full reusability for the Starship rocket could fundamentally alter the economics of space access and lower launch costs. NASA is closely monitoring the development as the rocket is slated to support the Artemis Moon landing missions.
Read the original report — BBC News
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.