SpaceX engineers at the Pad 2 launch site have successfully lifted the Starship S42 spacecraft using the Mechazilla mechanical arms, often referred to as chopsticks. The vehicle was hoisted from its transport stand and held in the air while the team performed multiple forward and backward movements to simulate post-landing recovery procedures.
The S42 vessel recently completed a series of cryogenic tests at the Massey testing facility before its relocation to the launch pad. The next phase of preparation involves the installation of six Raptor 3 engines, followed by a series of static fire tests to ensure the hardware is ready for flight operations.
The spacecraft is scheduled to launch as part of the Flight 15 mission alongside the Super Heavy Booster 22. During this mission, the company intends to utilize the Mechazilla arms to catch the Starship upon its return to the launch site, marking a significant step in the development of reusable launch systems.
Meanwhile, the fourteenth test flight of the Starship system is currently slated for September 18. This upcoming mission aims to achieve the first orbital flight for the vehicle, which will also carry additional Starlink satellites into orbit, though the landing for this specific flight will still occur in the ocean.
