SpaceX to attempt first-ever catch of Starship booster next month
Musk says the launch tower will try to grab the returning booster, aiming to make history by recovering an entire orbital launch vehicle for the first time.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said the company will attempt next month to catch its Starship booster, seeking the first full recovery of an orbital launch vehicle in history. If successful, the move would transform launch economics and pressure every competitor in the space industry.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said Tuesday during the company's third-quarter earnings report that SpaceX will attempt to catch its Starship booster and upper stage next month, with the goal of recovering the entire orbital launch system for the first time. Musk called the effort "a profound technology milestone in the history of civilization consciousness," while acknowledging the outcome is far from certain. "Success is not guaranteed on these first flights, but I'd say it's more likely than not that this succeeds next flight," he said.
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