New Delhi. Elon Musk's company SpaceX has achieved an important achievement in the space sector. The company's Starship Spacecraft returned to Earth after completing its flight in space and during this, two giant mechanical arms installed on the launch tower caught it in the air. For the first time, the company has succeeded in capturing a starship returning after going into space.
The name of this spacecraft is Ship 42. It took off on November 14 from the SpaceX launch center in Texas, USA. After spending about 22 hours in space, it returned to the launch tower on November 15. It returned at around 2:52 am Indian time. During this period the spacecraft made 14 revolutions around the Earth.
Two giant arms held the starship in the air
Two large mechanical arms are installed on the launch tower to hold the starship back. These have been named 'Chopsticks'. When the spacecraft reached near the tower during its return, these two arms held it in the air. In this way, instead of landing directly on the launch pad, the starship was stopped safely with the help of the tower.
Earlier, SpaceX was successful in capturing the first part of its rocket i.e. the booster with this technology. But capturing the Starship returning after completing its space journey in this manner for the first time is a big achievement for the company.
Launch 26 Starlink satellites into space
During this flight the starship reached a height of about 275 kilometers. From there he launched 26 new Starlink satellites into space. These satellites will be used to improve internet service.
Mechazilla catches Starship! Congratulations to the entire SpaceX team on this incredible achievement! pic.twitter.com/YJzmGUZb2B
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 14, 2026
During the flight, the spacecraft made 14 revolutions around the Earth. During this time, pictures of the outer surface and heat shield were also recorded from the cameras installed in it. Analysis of these images will help scientists and engineers understand how much impact occurs on the outer surface of the spacecraft while returning from space.
Attempt to catch Booster failed
SpaceX's plan this time was to capture both parts of the rocket. However, the first part, i.e. the booster, did not function as per the planned procedure during withdrawal. Its engine stopped working prematurely, causing it to change course and fall into the Gulf of Mexico. The company's engineers are investigating the cause of this disturbance.
Despite the failure to capture the booster, the safe return of Ship 42 and its successful capture in the air is considered significant. SpaceX aims to make both parts of the rocket reusable through this technology. This could help reduce the cost of future space missions.