SpaceX’s Next Big Trick: Catch the Starship Upper Stage With ‘Chopsticks’

SpaceX is working on a new approach to rapidly reuse the Starship upper stage, the company's CEO Elon Musk revealed. The plan involves using a system of "chopsticks" to catch the upper stage as it returns to the launch pad, a critical step towards achieving rapid reusability. Musk stated that this technique could be implemented within the next few Starship flight tests, a significant advancement in SpaceX's goal of making space exploration more accessible and cost-effective. The "chopsticks" system is designed to safely catch the upper stage, allowing for immediate refueling and relaunch, rather than the current method of landing the stage on the ground. This innovative approach highlights SpaceX's commitment to pushing the boundaries of reusable rocketry, which could have far-reaching implications for the future of space travel and exploration. The successful implementation of this "catch" system would mark a major milestone for the company and the wider space industry.