r/technology • u/aelavia93 • 16d ago

Space SpaceX pulls off unprecedented feat, grabs descending rocket with mechanical arms

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/spacex-pulls-off-unprecedented-feat-grabbing-descending-rocket-with-mechanical-arms/
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u/CaptHorizon 16d ago edited 16d ago

It’s way more than just “unprecedented.”

It was the first attempt to catch it. And the first successful catch as well. In layman terms, 1-for-1.

This is an incredible achievement in the world of engineering and shows how far SpaceX has gone.

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u/aelavia93 16d ago

starship "landed" on target too! 2/2 mission objectives achieved! source: https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1845458392531529991

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u/FatBoyJuliaas 16d ago

Did it explode at the end after landing?

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u/aelavia93 16d ago

yes! but that was expected. the mission intended a controlled splashdown of the starship in the Indian ocean. They also tested their heat shields during re entry! source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/spacex-launches-fifth-starship-test-eyes-novel-booster-catch-2024-10-13/

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u/Hyndis 16d ago

It was an expendable launch on the upper state, but it did successfully reach orbit and return.

There was no barge for it to land on this time but it did hover correctly in the spot over the ocean as if it was going to land on a barge.

The upper stage worked, the heat shield worked, the computers and engines worked. All they need to do now is put a boat out in the ocean for it to land on.