SpaceX's Starship returns from orbit and is captured by launch pad arms in a dramatic first

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (AP) — SpaceX s Starship completed an unprecedented return to Earth on Saturday, being captured mid-air by launch pad arms where it took off 22 hours prior. This marked the first-ever capture of a Starship descending from space, following an initial mission that fell short of a double catch due to a booster explosion.

The stainless steel, bullet-shaped spacecraft descended upright at the launch pad, captivating audiences as cameras showcased its descent, hanging high above the ground. SpaceX commentator Dan Huot expressed awe, saying, "Look at her! Baby, she's back!"

SpaceX officials hailed the successful capture as evidence of the full reusability of Starship, designed for lunar and Mars exploration. Although the booster recovery attempt on Friday failed, SpaceX had previously achieved three successful booster catches, validating their technique.

NASA welcomed the news, as Starship is crucial for transporting Artemis astronauts to the moon and aiding in the establishment of a permanent lunar base. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman expressed excitement, stating, "Making more believers by the day ... one step closer to (moon and U.S. flag emojis)." The world's largest rocket traveled 165 miles above Earth's surface, releasing 26 Starlink satellites before orbiting the planet 14 times.

The successful flight was SpaceX's 15th full-scale Starship mission since 2023 and its second to orbit. Engineers are investigating the booster's premature shutdown during its return, while Starship's heat shield and other systems appeared to function well. SpaceX plans to resume launching Starships from Florida's Kennedy Space Center in the coming months, ahead of NASA's Artemis missions.