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SpaceX Catch Starship's First Stage
SpaceX launched its Starship rocket on its fifth test flight. The company broadcast the launch on Channel X.
At 15:25 Moscow time, Starship launched from this site for the fifth time. SpaceX believes that in the future, super-heavy rockets can be used to send people to the Moon and Mars.
Just minutes after launch, SpaceX was able to return the first stage to the launch pad for the first time and grab it with the Mechazilla robotic arm. At that time, the engine on top of Starship was turned off, and the spacecraft continued to coast through space.
Starship's second stage will attempt to reenter the atmosphere and fall into the Gulf of Mexico. If all goes well, the flight will take just over an hour.
In late September, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced plans to send five unmanned Starship spacecraft to Mars within two years. Musk estimates that a successful landing of the spacecraft would allow for manned exploration of Mars within four years.