Starship splashes down in Indian Ocean, chopsticks grab Super Heavy rocket

Starship Super Heavy launch: The mission's primary objectives include launching the Starship-Super Heavy combination, guiding the Starship upper stage for a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean, and attempting the daring booster catch.

In Short

• The rocket will attempt an unprecedented feat—returning to the launch site
• SpaceX plans to catch the 232-foot-tall booster
• They will use robotic arms attached to the launch tower, nicknamed “chopsticks”

Starship Super Heavy launch: SpaceX launched its colossal Starship rocket on its fifth test flight today, bringing the company closer to its plans of developing a fully reusable rocket system capable of taking humans to the Moon and Mars.

The launch took place at 5:54 PM IST from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.

WATCH STARSHIP SUPER HEAVY LAUNCH LIVE HERE

WHAT WILL SPACEX DO TODAY?

This flight is particularly significant due to its ambitious goals and groundbreaking technology.

After the Super Heavy booster separated from the Starship upper stage, it attempt an unprecedented feat — returning to the launch site for a precision landing. SpaceX grabbed the 232-foot-tall booster using robotic arms attached to the launch tower, nicknamed “chopsticks.”

The mission’s primary objectives included launching the Starship-Super Heavy combination, guiding the Starship upper stage for a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean, and attempting the daring booster catch.

SpaceX engineers have spent months perfecting this manoeuvre, which could revolutionise rocket reusability if successful.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted SpaceX the necessary launch license last Saturday, following a thorough review of safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. This approval came ahead of schedule, as initial estimates suggested the license might only be ready by November.

Nasa is also keeping a close watch on the mission, as it has selected a version of Starship for its Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.

WHAT HAPPENED DURING LAST FLIGHT?

During the fourth test flight, earlier this year, around 2.5 minutes into the flight, the two elements (Starship and Supoer Heavy) separated as planned, with the booster re-orienting itself for a controlled offshore splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Super Heavy had a controlled hard landing in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Starship spacecraft continued its ascent, powered by its six Raptor engines. After shutting down and reaching an expected peak altitude, the vehicle performed a long atmospheric re-entry to rigorously test its newly upgraded heat shield tiles.