July 29, 2024 – Following the successful test flight of its Starship rocket, SpaceX is gearing up for an even more challenging mission. Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, announced during a live broadcast on X Takeover that the company’s fifth orbit test flight (IFT-5) of Starship is scheduled for late August or early September.
This upcoming mission will involve the launch of a combined system consisting of the Super Heavy Booster (B12) and the Starship spacecraft (S30). However, what makes this test flight particularly noteworthy is the introduction of a new and risky recovery method.
Musk revealed that SpaceX plans to use the mechanical arms of the launch tower, nicknamed “chopsticks,” to capture and recover the Super Heavy Booster after launch. This innovative approach is unprecedented in the industry and represents a significant technical milestone.
The CEO cautioned that the success rate of capturing the booster is only estimated to be around 50%. Additionally, he stated that there is a 60% chance that the Starship’s heat shield, composed of thermal tiles, will remain intact during its return to Earth’s atmosphere.
In preparation for this ambitious mission, SpaceX has already begun testing the functionality of the tower arms by clamping onto sample objects. This is a crucial step towards attempting to capture the 232-foot-tall booster.
Notably, this attempt to capture the rocket during its descent is arguably the most dangerous maneuver SpaceX has attempted in its five test flights. Any mishap, such as an explosion, could potentially destroy the launch pad, leading to delays in future tests and increased regulatory scrutiny. It’s worth mentioning that a failed launch last year caused significant damage to Launch Pad A, resulting in months of project delays.
SpaceX is fully aware of the risks involved and is taking every precaution to ensure the stability and safety of the recovery process. After all, the launch pad is far more valuable than the Starship itself.
