Skip to content
TrackPodcasts
technologyAug 9, 202623:46pending

Can SpaceX catch a Starship Falling From Orbit

About this episode

 During Flight 13, the Starship upper stage achieved a successful soft splashdown, validating its thermal protection system, while the Super Heavy booster experienced a hard impact due to engine relight failures. 

Flight 14 marks a transition to orbital-class capability, featuring the first attempt to catch the returning ship using the "Mechazilla" launch tower arms. To support this mission, the Federal Aviation Administration is evaluating expanded contingency landing zones across the Pacific Ocean to ensure public safety during reentry. SpaceX is also implementing dual-flow logistics at its Texas facility to increase launch frequency and streamline the production of its Block 3 architecture. Ultimately, these documents detail the regulatory and engineering milestones required to transform Starship into a routine commercial asset.

Get every episode summarized

Each time Elon Musk Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.

Email me new episodes

Free for 3 shows. No card needed.

Hosts & guests

No transcript yet

This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.

Can SpaceX catch a Starship Falling From Orbit

Elon Musk Podcast

0:00
23:46

More episodes

More from Elon Musk Podcast

View all episodes →