2 hours ago - Science

SpaceX will try catching its massive Starship rocket for the first time

Alex Fitzpatrick

SpaceX Starship's last test flight launches on Sept. 28, 2026. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images

SpaceX is about to try catching both its next-gen Starship rocket and its Super Heavy booster back at its launch pad for the first time.

Why it matters: A successful attempt would make rocketry history — and mark a huge step towards realizing SpaceX's vision of Starship as a fully reusable, 171-foot-tall space launch behemoth.

Such reusability could dramatically cut launch costs, potentially ushering in a new era of commercial spaceflight.

Driving the news: Starship is scheduled to launch from South Texas as early as 5:45 p.m. ET this afternoon, barring weather or mechanical troubles.

The Super Heavy booster will separate and return for a catch attempt a few minutes after launch. (SpaceX has caught the Super Heavy before, but never Starship.)

Starship will then orbit Earth about 14 times over 22 hours, while deploying new satellites for SpaceX's Starlink internet service.

It will then head Earthward, flip itself upright and attempt to land in the huge mechanical "chopstick" arms of its launch tower on Saturday afternoon.

Reality check: A test flight this novel leaves lots of room for things to go wrong.

What's next: The launch, mission and catch attempt will stream live on YouTube.

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SpaceX will try catching its massive Starship rocket for the first time

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