SpaceX captured the Starship spacecraft for the first time in history after returning from orbit.
American multi-billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX has successfully captured the 52-meter upper stage of the Starship's super-heavy rocket for the first time since its return from Earth orbit. The spacecraft was captured by mechanical manipulators from the launch tower at Mizilla, Texas. Musk posted the video on X. The return took place on November 14 after a 22-hour test flight, already the 15th in a row. The starship launched 26 Starlink satellites into orbit and circled the Earth 14 times.
Initially, SpaceX planned to perform a double capture - returning both stages of the ship to the launch point. However, the lower stage - the 72-meter-long super-heavy rocket - deviated from its intended trajectory, after which the guidance system automatically sent it toward the Gulf of Mexico and began self-destruction. According to Musk, the booster is also experiencing a fuel shortage. On the previous three occasions it was possible to "catch" Super Heved.
Despite the loss of the first stage, the test was an important step toward a fully reusable system that should reduce launch costs and simplify missions to the Moon and Mars. In addition, this was the second flight during which the ship entered Earth orbit.
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