SpaceX caught Starship booster for the second time [Video]

Today, SpaceX launched Starship Flight 7 and caught the Super Heavy booster for the second time with the launch tower, after failing this attempt in the sixth flight.

During flight 5, SpaceX attempted the first-ever booster catch, which successfully performed the hot staging and returned to the landing site for a vertical landing.

On the next flight, SpaceX flew the booster and reversed it back to Earth but failed to meet parameters due to issues with chopsticks, which were damaged after the flight left the launch pad.

Prior to Flight 7, the company made new upgrades to the launch tower and provided external protection to these important sensors.

The first stage booster is designed to uplift the integrated flight to orbit and return to Earth for maximum reusability. These new upgrades enabled a more reliable catch scenario for the SpaceX team and initiated a go-for-catch decision.

In the final phase, the booster ignited its 13 Raptor engines to slow down the vehicle, which later turned to 3 as the launch tower arms plucked the stage in the air.

Check SpaceX catching the Starship booster for the second time in the video linked below.

Mechazilla has caught the Super Heavy booster! pic.twitter.com/aq91TloYzY

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 16, 2025