Saturday, November 23, 2024

Space X: Rocket booster caught in mid-air for the first time

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Starship lifted off at sunrise from Boca Chica Beach in Texas for its fifth test flight and blasted out of the Earth’s atmosphere.

Around two and three-quarter minutes later, the bottom part of it – known officially as the Super Heavy booster – separated from the rest of the rocket.

Rather than have the booster land in the ocean, which is what usually happens, Space X’s engineers achieved something that’s never been done before.

They managed to slow down the booster, which was travelling at a speed of more than 17,000 mph, whilst it re-entered the atmosphere and guide it gently back down to the launch pad.

When it approached the 146metre high landing tower, its raptor engines worked to control its landing.

The booster was then caught in a huge pair of mechanical arms – a bit like catching food in between two chopsticks.

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