Elon Musk’s SpaceX misses Starship booster catch, says spacecraft remains ‘healthy’ before Texas return

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft completed its 22-hour mission and remained in healthy condition as it prepared for its return to Texas. However, the company's latest attempt to capture both the Starship and its Super Heavy booster failed. The booster, after separating from the spacecraft, aborted the catch attempt due to its guidance system, diving into the Gulf of Mexico and self-destructing upon impact.

Meanwhile, the Starship continued its orbit, deploying 26 satellites for Elon Musk's Starlink internet constellation. SpaceX officials stated the spacecraft's return path would traverse lightly inhabited desert areas, towns, and a significant swoosh maneuver before landing in the eastern part of Texas. The capture attempt, a critical milestone in the development of reusable rocket systems, will be decided two hours prior to the spacecraft's arrival.