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TOWER CATCH SYSTEM
SpaceX Mechazilla Chopstick Catch
Mass
500000 kg
Dimensions
~140 m tower height, arms span ~20 m each
Material
Structural steel with load-dampening actuators
First Use
Oct 13, 2024
Usage Statistics
2
Successful Uses
100%
Success Rate
How It Works
Two massive mechanical arms mounted on a rail system along the launch/catch tower close around the booster as it hovers into position, catching it by the grid fin hardpoints and absorbing residual kinetic energy through hydraulic dampeners.
Key Specifications
Catch mass~200,000 kg
Arm closing speedVariable hydraulic
PositioningGPS + radar + optical
First catchIFT-5, October 2024
Compatible Vehicles
Super Heavy boosterStarship (planned)
Details
Mechazilla is the tower-mounted catch system at SpaceX’s Starbase facility designed to catch the Super Heavy booster and eventually Starship using massive mechanical arms (chopsticks). The system eliminates the need for landing legs, saving mass and enabling rapid turnaround. The first successful booster catch occurred during Starship IFT-5 in October 2024.
External Links
