
First key recovery of Starship vessel marks milestone in reusable rocket development
AI-generated summary
SpaceX has been developing Starship for a decadelong effort to create a fully reusable rocket system. NASA is paying billions of dollars for Starship to land Artemis astronauts on the moon later this decade and help build a permanent lunar base.
SpaceX's Starship spacecraft returned from its longest-yet flight in orbit on Saturday to the tower it was launched from on Friday.
It was the first key recovery of the rocket system's centerpiece vessel in the company's decadelong effort to develop a fully reusable rocket.
NASA welcomed the news. The US space agency is paying billions of dollars for Starship to land Artemis astronauts on the moon later this decade and help build a permanent lunar base.
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SpaceX successfully caught the Starship upper stage (Ship) on its first attempt during Flight 15, deploying 26 Starlink V3 satellites to orbit. The Super Heavy booster aborted its catch attempt and splashed down in the Gulf, where it exploded before hitting the water.

SpaceX launched Starship Flight 15 from Texas on Friday, deploying 26 Starlink V3 satellites. The Super Heavy booster aborted its tower catch attempt and splashed down in the Gulf, exploding before hitting the water. The Ship continues in orbit and is expected to attempt landing shortly after 4PM ET Saturday.
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