SpaceX will attempt 1st-ever double Starship rocket catch on next test launch, a 'profound technology milestone,' Elon Musk says

A Bold Objective for Starship's Next Flight

SpaceX is preparing for an unprecedented engineering feat in the upcoming test launch of its Starship megarocket system. According to Elon Musk, the company intends to attempt the simultaneous recovery of both rocket stages during the same mission, marking an ambitious step forward in aerospace operations.

Recovering Both Megarocket Stages

The mission, anticipated to take place in November, will aim to successfully catch both the Super Heavy first-stage booster and the upper-stage Starship spacecraft. Building upon previous flight milestones, this test will evaluate the flight profiles and precision guidance necessary to secure both giant vehicles upon their return.

Implications for Rapid Reusability

Described by Musk as a profound technology milestone, capturing both stages represents the cornerstone of achieving full and rapid reusability. If realized, eliminating the loss of either rocket stage will significantly reduce mission turnaround times and slash the operational costs of deep space exploration.