SpaceX has released stunning footage capturing the close-up moments of Starship’s launch and recovery that took place on Sunday.
This mission marked the fifth flight test of the Starship, which includes the Super Heavy booster as its first stage and the Starship spacecraft as the upper stage.
The striking video illustrates the 120-meter-tall rocket blasting off from SpaceX’s Boca Chica facility in Texas, generating an incredible 17 million pounds of thrust as it ascends.
The initial clip captures the vehicle soaring into the sky, showcasing its impressive height and power.
Take a look at the launch from the tower viewpoint.
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 14, 2024
The following footage highlights the remarkable moment when the 70-meter-tall Super Heavy was caught by the massive mechanical arms of the launch tower shortly after releasing the Starship spacecraft into orbit.
Watch as the Super Heavy expertly lands using its Raptor engines.
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 14, 2024
This perspective from the rocket provides a unique view as it gently settles onto the launch tower arm.
Check out the onboard footage showing the Super Heavy making contact with the catch beam.
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 14, 2024
This was the first attempt by SpaceX to catch the rocket booster, and there were many uncertainties surrounding the execution. However, in an impressive display, the booster successfully landed between the outstretched arms of the tower.
This successful catch represents a significant advancement for SpaceX in its preparations for NASA’s Artemis III mission, which aims to land the first woman and the first person of color on the lunar surface. In this mission, the Super Heavy will deploy the Starship, which will transport two astronauts from NASA’s Orion spacecraft to the Moon. Although the mission is currently slated for 2026, the timeline could be subject to change.
In the meantime, SpaceX intends to continue its testing of the Starship, refining the technologies that power this monumental vehicle as it gears up for the Artemis III mission.
The Starship is designed to potentially carry up to 100 crew members per flight. Elon Musk envisions using it for the inaugural crewed journey to Mars, which could happen in the 2030s.
