In an exciting development for space exploration, Elon Musk recently announced that SpaceX aims to catch the upper stage of its Starship spacecraft using its innovative “chopsticks” system, targeting early 2025 for this ambitious feat. Musk expressed optimism, stating, “Hopefully early next year, we will catch the ship too,” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
On October 13, 2024, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone during the fifth test flight of its Starship megarocket. About seven minutes post-liftoff, the first-stage booster, known as Super Heavy, successfully returned to the launch mount and was caught by the tower's massive arms. This accomplishment marked a new era in rocket recovery technology, showcasing SpaceX’s commitment to enhancing the reusability of its vehicles.
With the success of recent test flights—specifically on June 6 and October 13—SpaceX is now turning its attention to the upper stage of Starship, which stands at 165 feet (50 meters) tall. The company is determined to replicate the same recovery method for the upper stage in forthcoming test missions, moving away from the previous approach that involved splashing down in the Indian Ocean.
SpaceX is developing the fully reusable Starship, which stands at 400 feet (122 meters), with the vision of transporting humans and cargo to the Moon and Mars, as well as fulfilling other space missions. The company’s drive to innovate is evident in its plans to catch the upper stage upon reentry, a bold step that would streamline future operations and enhance the craft's reusability.
However, it’s important to note that catching the upper stage won't be applicable for every mission. For example, when Starship is used for crewed missions to the Moon and Mars, it will need to perform propulsive, vertical landings utilizing landing legs. This method is essential for safe landings on planetary surfaces.
Despite this, SpaceX envisions many missions involving Starship in low Earth orbit, such as continuing to build out its Starlink satellite constellation and assisting in refueling operations for other Starships. Launch-mount landings using the chopsticks system would enable rapid and efficient round trips between Earth and orbit, enhancing the overall functionality of the Starship fleet.
The ambitious goals of SpaceX demonstrate a significant shift in how space missions could be conducted, emphasizing rapid reusability and efficiency. By integrating these advanced technologies, SpaceX aims to pave the way for a new era of space travel, making it more accessible and sustainable.
As SpaceX continues to refine its systems and processes, the upcoming test flights will be crucial in determining the feasibility of catching the upper stage. The aerospace community is watching closely, eager to see how these innovations will transform the future of space exploration.
Stay tuned for updates as SpaceX continues its groundbreaking work in space technology. For more insights on upcoming missions and developments in space, you can follow our coverage on Space.com.
