SpaceX makes history as 'Mechazilla' successfully catches returning Starship booster

SpaceX made history as 'Mechazilla' caught the returning Starship booster, a key step in achieving rocket reusability

SpaceX successfully completed a landmark achievement during its fifth Starship test flight on October 13, 2024. The company's Super Heavy booster was caught mid-air by mechanical arms—referred to as “Mechazilla” by SpaceX founder Elon Musk—after launching from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. This marked the first time in spaceflight history that a booster was retrieved in this manner, showcasing the company's progress toward rapid rocket reusability.

Mechazilla has caught the Super Heavy booster! pic.twitter.com/6R5YatSVJX

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 13, 2024

SpaceX's livestream featured the booster’s controlled descent to the launchpad, where the mechanical "chopsticks" safely captured the rocket. A SpaceX spokesperson described the event as “a day for the engineering history books.” Musk celebrated the achievement, posting on social media: "The tower has caught the rocket!!”

The mission, which launched at 7:25 a.m. ET, is part of SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to make space travel more efficient and cost-effective by reusing rocket components. The upper stage of Starship continued its flight, splashing down in the Indian Ocean.