From HuffPost · · 1m 20s
SpaceX Starship Reaches Orbit After Recovery Failure
SpaceX's Starship reaches orbit despite booster malfunction during recovery attempt.
In brief
SpaceX's Starship reaches orbit despite booster malfunction during recovery attempt. SpaceX's Starship achieved orbit after booster malfunction prevented recovery, with plans to attempt mid-air capture Saturday. Originally reported by HuffPost.
Starship Launch Attempt
SpaceX's attempt to recover its entire Starship back at the launch pad was thwarted when the booster malfunctioned and ended up in the water Friday.
Booster Malfunction
Elon Musk's company had to lower its expectations when the first part of the double catch flopped.
Orbit Achieved
The spacecraft still soared into orbit in its boldest test yet.
Mid-Air Capture Plan
It will steer toward the pad Saturday for a similar grab, barring further trouble.
First Orbit Return
It’s the first time that the spacecraft will try to return to the pad from orbit, to be plucked in midair by mechanical arms secured to the launch tower.
Recovery Goal
The original goal was to retrieve every single piece of the rocket for the purpose of future recycling, something yet to be achieved anywhere in the world.
Starship Mission Details
The spacecraft portion of the 14 previous Starships ended up in the ocean, either by design at flight’s end or by accident in a stream of flaming wreckage.
The big picture
SpaceX's Starship achieved orbit after booster malfunction prevented recovery, with plans to attempt mid-air capture Saturday.
