SpaceX catches a returning rocket in the air, turning a fantasy idea into reality

The upside to SpaceX’s architecture is that, with refueling, Starship could theoretically deliver payloads of 100 metric tons or more to the Moon or Mars, a much larger capacity than any other rocket. Ships can be refueled over and over again, and routinely shuttle between Earth and destinations in space, making all sorts of fascinating missions possible.

Sometime next year, SpaceX plans to launch a pair of spacecraft into orbit using its two adjacent launch pads in Texas. The ships will dock together in orbit and test cryogenic propellant delivery technologies, something that has never been done before in space on this scale. This trailer serves as a precursor to future Artemis Mission campaigns, where Starships must launch in quick succession from multiple platforms.

“There is no doubt that the human landing system is the critical path for Artemis III,” said Lori Glaze, acting deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Division, referring to the first lunar landing mission for the Artemis program.

Artemis III is officially scheduled to launch in September 2026, but will likely be delayed by at least a few years due to the readiness of the Starship spacecraft and new commercially developed spacesuits to protect astronauts walking on the moon’s surface. Ars previously reported that NASA and SpaceX are evaluating alternative mission profiles for Artemis III in case the Starship lunar lander faces longer delays.

“The speed component is the rate at which SpaceX can launch the systems that can refuel the depot, so that it is ready to refuel the spacecraft for landing on the moon,” Glaze said last week. “So the real key is their ability to get to a rate where they can get off to a fast enough tempo.”

Multiple launch pads in Texas and Florida will allow SpaceX to increase its spacecraft launch cadence. Regular vehicle and ship hunting will also be important for SpaceX launches more often. For this reason, although NASA was not directly involved in Sunday’s flight, agency officials were monitoring the matter closely.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson praised the successful test flight on Sunday.

“Congratulations to SpaceX “On her successful booster catch and fifth spacecraft flight test today!” “As we prepare to return to the Moon under Artemis,” Nelson posted on X. Continuous testing will prepare us for the daring tasks that lie ahead—“Including the south pole of the Moon and then to Mars.”

Musk replied: “Thank you, sir! I look forward to serving NASA in returning humanity to the moon.”