SpaceX prepares for Starship launch and booster catch attempt in Texas
SpaceX is set to launch its Starship system on November 19 from Texas, aiming to catch the Super Heavy booster with its "chopsticks" after liftoff. This follows a successful test flight in October where the booster was caught midair. The upcoming flight will test the booster’s ability to return and land precisely after detaching from the Starship spacecraft. This marks the fastest turnaround in SpaceX's Starship test campaign, crucial for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon. The Federal Aviation Administration has approved the flight, stating it meets all safety and licensing requirements. A successful test could lead to more ambitious projects, including long-duration flight tests and propellant transfer missions for future lunar missions.