SpaceX aims to start initial tests of Super Heavy boosters as early as 2021. These massive structures will ultimately launch Starship vehicles into space from Earth—but how will they be recovered?
Founded by Elon Musk in 2002, SpaceX is driven by the goal of making humanity interplanetary. The company has developed Starship, a fully reusable spacecraft now in intensive testing. In the coming year, SpaceX will accelerate its program using both launch pads at its Boca Chica, Texas facility, with Starship prototypes on each.
The Super Heavy booster, designed to propel Starship into orbit, begins testing this year. This towering structure, over 70 meters tall, will feature 28 Raptor engines—roughly three times more powerful than Falcon 9's Merlin engines. Stacked with Starship, the full stack reaches about 120 meters.
A key challenge: how to recover this enormous booster? Unlike Falcon 9 boosters that land on legs or drone ships, SpaceX has a different approach.
Elon Musk recently confirmed via Twitter that the launch tower's mechanical arms—used to stabilize rockets pre-launch—will "catch" the returning Super Heavy boosters.
Visualizing this precision maneuver is tricky. Space expert Scott Manley has proposed two concepts on YouTube, pending more details from Musk.
This method promises major benefits: practicality and economics.
Musk explains it enables lighter, cheaper boosters and allows immediate repositioning on the launch mount for reuse in just hours.
Rapid turnaround is crucial for SpaceX's Mars ambitions, demanding streamlined operations.
The process begins with Starship atop Super Heavy launching to orbit. The booster returns for refueling, as Starship lacks sufficient fuel for Mars alone. A Starship tanker docks in orbit to transfer propellant, enabling the journey.
