On October 13, 2024, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone by successfully executing a test flight of its Starship rocket, which included the groundbreaking feat of catching the returning booster using mechanical arms at the launch pad. The nearly 400-foot (121-meter) tall Starship lifted off at sunrise from the southern tip of Texas, near the Mexican border. Unlike earlier attempts that ended in failure, this test flight represented a notable advancement. The previous flight in June was considered a success, but this latest demonstration showcased improved capabilities, especially in landing procedures. The CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk, expressed enthusiasm for this accomplishment, referring to it as “science fiction without the fiction part.” The successful capture of the 232-foot (71-meter) stainless steel booster demonstrated the rocket’s potential for future missions to the moon and Mars.

The booster returned to the launch pad approximately seven minutes after liftoff, under the careful supervision of the flight director. The tower’s mechanical arms, informally called “chopsticks,” securely caught the booster, marking a pivotal moment in space exploration. According to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, this advancement is crucial for NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the moon’s south pole. Continued testing of the Starship will be essential for realizing this ambitious goal. Meanwhile, the Starship spacecraft itself reached an altitude of over 130 miles (212 kilometers) before successfully landing in the Indian Ocean, demonstrating its operational viability. SpaceX aims to replicate its successful booster recovery practices with the Starship, which features 33 methane-fueled engines, representing the largest and most powerful rocket ever constructed.