How SpaceX's Mechazilla Catches Starship Boosters
An interactive breakdown of the chopsticks recovery process
Key Components
Integration Tower
A giant steel structure that holds everything in place and helps catch the booster. It supports the chopsticks and provides stability for the entire system.
The Catch Mechanism and Recovery Process
The Booster's Return
After launching Starship into space, the Super Heavy booster begins its return journey.
The booster relights engines to slow down and aligns itself beside the tower
The Chopsticks Preparing to Catch
Using timing and sensor feedback, the system aligns so that the booster’s catch pins are directly above the waiting arms.
As the booster approaches, Mechazilla’s robotic arms "chopsticks", adjust their position, guided by realtime tracking sensors.
The Catch
The arms typically descend a short distance after catch, acting as shock absorbers.
This means even if the booster is still coming down a bit fast, the arms can flex or slide a few inches, reducing stress on both the booster and the tower.
The chopsticks gently grip onto the booster’s catch points. Once they have captured the booster, they bear its weight and can gently lower it.
Stabilization & Positioning
Locking mechanisms prevent the booster from swaying.
The system adjusts for wind conditions and ensures a safe reset.
With the booster safely in chopsticks’s grip, it is carefully lowered back onto the launch mount.
This interactive breakdown of SpaceX’s Mechazilla was created as part of a design challenge to visually explain the booster recovery process. The goal was to combine storytelling, technical accuracy, and usability in a single-page experience.
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