Space X achieved the feat of catching the rocket booster

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, has been a driving force behind the development and implementation of reusable rockets.

Why is Elon Musk focusing on reusability of rockets?

Feature	Reusable Rockets	Non-Reusable Rockets
Cost	Significantly lower launch costs due to reusability	High cost per launch as the entire rocket is discarded
Environmental Impact	Reduced environmental impact due to less manufacturing waste	Higher environmental impact due to manufacturing new rockets for each mission
Technological Advancement	Drives innovation in propulsion, guidance, and control systems	Limited technological advancement in reusability
Launch Frequency	Enables more frequent and affordable launches	Limits launch frequency due to high costs
Components	Rocket boosters and potentially other components can be reused	Entire rocket is discarded after a single use
Retrieval	Requires advanced retrieval technology to recover components safely	No retrieval necessary
Examples	SpaceX's Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy	Most rockets before the 21st century

What is a Rocket Booster?

1. Rocket boosters are essential components of multi-stage rockets, providing the initial thrust needed to lift the rocket off the ground and into orbit.
2. They are typically discarded after their primary function is complete.
3. When a rocket booster is intentionally landed in the ocean, it's often referred to as a splashdown.
4. Recovering rocket boosters from the sea poses significant challenges due to the harsh marine environment.
5. Saltwater environment can cause corrosion to the booster's structure, reducing its lifespan and increasing maintenance costs.
6. Retrieving a booster from the ocean requires specialized equipment and procedures, such as cranes, barges, and underwater inspection.

On 14 October 2024 space X achieved the feat of catching the rocket booster of Space X Starship  midair with giant robotic arms.

1. SpaceX Starship rocket system lifted off from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas.
2. SpaceX starship super heavy booster did not make splashdown in the ocean instead it landed safely at the launch site.
3. The booster detached from Starship three minutes and 40 seconds after the launch.
4. Super heavy booster restarted 13 Raptors to return towards the Texas coast.
5. The boosters slowed its speed from a peak speed of 27350km/hr.
6. The booster was descending at angle and later straightened as it approached the gantry.

• Gantry is structure that holds the rocket before it is launched.

7. The gantry had large hands which had been named Mechazilla.
8. These giant chopsticks like hands caught the rocket booster which then switched off its engine.

SpaceX Starship

1. SpaceX Starship is a fully reusable, stainless steel spacecraft designed by SpaceX with the goal of transporting humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
2. SpaceX Starship is a two-stage rocket designed for deep-space missions.
3. Super Heavy Booster: This is the first stage of Starship. It's a massive booster designed to provide the initial thrust needed to lift the spacecraft off the ground. Super Heavy is powered by multiple Raptor engines and is designed to be fully reusable.

1. Raptor is a highly efficient full-flow staged combustion rocket engine developed by SpaceX.
2. Full-Flow Staged Combustion: This design allows for exceptionally high specific impulse, meaning it can produce more thrust per unit of propellant, making it more efficient.
3. Specific Impulse is a measure of a rocket engine's efficiency. It quantifies how much thrust a rocket can produce for a given amount of propellant consumed.
4. With less fuel to carry, a rocket can carry a larger payload, making it more versatile for various missions.
5. Payload refers to the cargo carried by a spacecraft, aircraft, or other vehicle.

4. Starship Upper Stage: This is the second stage of Starship. It's designed to carry payloads to orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Starship is also designed to be fully reusable, with the ability to land on Earth or other celestial bodies.
5. The rocket system is nearly 120 metres tall, making it the largest rocket ever — taller than even the Saturn V (111 meters).

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