SpaceX cancels Starship booster catch due to unmet requirements

SpaceX has canceled its plan to catch the Starship booster using a dedicated tower, citing unmet requirements for the maneuver. Instead, the booster will perform a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. This decision marks a shift from previous successful tests, where SpaceX captured a booster using mechanical arms known as "chopsticks." In October, the booster returned safely to the launch pad after a successful launch. The complexity of the tower catch system requires precise conditions, which were not met this time. SpaceX aims to enhance reusability with Starship, similar to its Falcon 9 rockets, to reduce launch costs.