Fifth Test Flight Marks Successful Reuse of Super Heavy Booster

On Sunday, October 13, SpaceX successfully returned its Starship rocket’s towering first-stage booster to its Texas launch pad using mechanical arms, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to develop a reusable vehicle for missions to the Moon and Mars.

Launched from SpaceX’s Boca Chica, Texas facility, the “Super Heavy” booster lifted off at 8:25 pm, sending the Starship second stage toward space. At an altitude of approximately 70 km, the booster separated and began its challenging descent back to Earth. By re-lighting three of its 33 Raptor engines, the booster slowed its descent and targeted the launch site for a precise landing, aided by the towering 400-foot pad equipped with large metal arms to catch it.