SpaceX Starship makes dramatic return to Earth after being 'caught' in mid-air by mechanical arms

Detailed summary

Nasa administrator Jared Isaacman called the feat 'almost magic' after a set back on Friday, when the first stage booster exploded after a lift-off from Texas

SpaceX’s Starship has made a triumphant return to Earth, caught in mid-air by giant mechanical arms in a grand-finale that Elon Musk and his team were hoping for.

It marked the first-ever capture of a Starship flying back from space.

Despite this, the first-stage booster exploded shortly after Friday’s lift-off from Texas, meaning that the company fell short of its desired double catch.

Wreckage remained in the Gulf of Mexico, cordoned off by buoys, as the stainless steel, bullet-shaped spacecraft lowered itself upright at the launch pad.

“Can you believe it?” SpaceX commentator Dan Huot shouted, dragging out each word. “Look at her! Baby, she’s back!” Soon afterward, Mr Musk congratulated his “incredible team”.

SpaceX reported that everything on the spacecraft, including its vital heat shield, appeared to work well. Officials said Saturday’s catch demonstrates the full reusability of Starship, intended for Moon and Mars travel.

Although Friday’s booster recovery failed, the company had already made three previous booster catches, validating the technique.

Nasa welcomed the news, with the space agency is paying billions of dollars for Starship to land Artemis astronauts on the Moon later this decade and help build a permanent lunar base there.

Elon Musk says he eventually wants to launch a fleet of Starships to build a city on Mars.

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