In October 2024, a launch tower caught a returning rocket booster. First, the two stages separated. The Starship upper stage continued its flight. Super Heavy, the booster underneath, turned back toward the launch site.

A boostback burn helped send the booster back toward the coast. Near the tower, another engine burn slowed the descending vehicle. The returning booster had to reach the arms within a narrow window.

Two mechanical arms on the tower supported the booster near its top. SpaceX caught Super Heavy on that first attempt. The sequence starts in flight, where the engines guide and slow the booster. It ends with the tower taking the load.