SpaceX Aims for Starship's Orbital Return and Catch

SpaceX plans to attempt a groundbreaking feat next year: landing a Starship rocket back at its Texas launchpad after returning from low-Earth orbit. This ambitious goal presents a significant geographical challenge, requiring precise navigation within a narrow corridor to avoid landmasses. Previous 10 test flights ended with ocean splashes. Following successful upcoming tests, SpaceX will aim to send the new Starship V3 (171ft tall) into orbit. Starship's design prioritizes full reusability—Super Heavy boosters are already recovered and reused, but upper stage recovery is slated for next year at the earliest. A successful orbital flight and return-to-launch-site landing, requiring flight over parts of Mexico and South Texas, will mark a major milestone in Starship's development.