SpaceX Nov 13 trial to catch Starship stages pending approval
Technology
SpaceX is about to try something wild on November 13, 2026, pending regulatory approval: catching both parts of its massive Starship rocket using huge mechanical arms nicknamed "chopsticks."
If this works, it could make rockets way more reusable, a big deal for cheaper and more frequent space trips.
Mechazilla at Texas to catch stages
The Mechazilla system at SpaceX's Texas site will use these tower-mounted arms to grab both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage as they come back down.
SpaceX already caught a booster back in 2024, but catching both stages at once is a first.
Pulling this off could seriously lower launch costs and help SpaceX send more missions to space, including future Moon and Mars plans.