SpaceX Preps for Historic Starship Booster Catch Amid FAA Delays

SpaceX practices using launch tower arms to catch the Super Heavy booster while awaiting FAA approval for the fifth Starship test flight.

SpaceX lifted the Super Heavy booster to simulate a catch attempt with the launch tower's 'chopstick' arms at its Starbase site in Texas.
The fifth Starship test flight, now scheduled for late November, will be the first to attempt catching the booster with the tower arms.
SpaceX has expressed frustration with the FAA's extended review process, which has delayed the launch despite the company being ready since August.
Static fire tests of the Starship spacecraft's engines have been successfully conducted in preparation for both the fifth and sixth test flights.
The goal of these tests is to enhance Starship's rapid reusability, ultimately aiming to support missions to the Moon and Mars.