Elon Musk’s SpaceX is set to launch Starship, a next-generation rocket intended to return to Earth and be reused, later today from their site just outside Brownsville, Texas.
The largest rocket ever built, Starship is intimidating even at distance and is listed at 400-plus feet tall. It will be used to carry both crew and cargo.
SpaceX will attempt to catch the returning Starship rocket using a “chopsticks” technique, which involves two metal structures resembling arms protruding from a massive tower.
Follow along for updates below.
TODAY: SpaceX announces launch schedule
SpaceX announced today their intentions to open a 30 minute launch window at 7 a.m. on October 13.
TODAY: City of Brownsville alerts residents of sonic booms, road closures
The City of Brownsville — the closest municipality to SpaceX’s launch site — disseminated a press release explaining how residents may be affected by the launch. It is scheduled for between 7 and 9 a.m. on October 13, and those who live in the surrounding area may hear sonic booms as Starship slows down in preparation to re-land. Road closures will also be in effect.
TODAY: Breaking down the audacious “chopsticks” maneuver
SpaceX has been experimenting with reusing parts of old launches with their Falcon 9 rocket, but they intend to take the process to the next level with Starship.
They have been able to re-land Falcon 9’s first-stage boosters on the ground near the launch pad or on a barge in the ocean, but they hope to catch Starship’s booster midair to immediately be in position to be refueled and relaunched.
They will attempt to do so with giant metal arms affixed to the launch tower that resemble chopsticks and will close around the booster as it slows itself down.
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