SpaceX Attempts Historic Catch of Starship Booster in Fifth Test Flight

On Sunday, October 13, SpaceX is set to conduct the fifth test flight of its Starship megarocket, a mission that could mark a significant milestone in the company’s pursuit of rapid reusability. The launch, scheduled from SpaceX’s Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, has a 30-minute window starting at 7:00 a.m. CT (1200 GMT).

The primary objectives of this test include attempting the first-ever return to the launch site and catch of the Super Heavy booster using the launch tower’s “chopstick” arms, also known as “Mechazilla.” Additionally, the test aims for another Starship reentry and landing burn, targeting an on-target splashdown in the Indian Ocean if the catch attempt fails.

SpaceX engineers have invested tens of thousands of hours in preparing for this booster catch attempt, ensuring that thousands of criteria are met both on the vehicle and at the tower. If conditions are not satisfied, the booster will be redirected for a splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, similar to previous tests.

The Starship, standing 397 feet tall with both stages combined, is a formidable piece of engineering. Its Super Heavy booster, 233 feet tall, produces 16.7 million pounds of thrust, significantly more powerful than the Saturn V rockets used during the Apollo missions.

This test is part of SpaceX’s “fail fast, learn fast” strategy, which has accelerated the company’s development and contributed to its success in the aerospace industry. Founded in 2002, SpaceX has quickly become a leader in orbital launches and is the only US spaceship currently certified to carry astronauts.