At an event at IIT Delhi, ISRO chief S Somanath commended SpaceX founder Elon Musk for advancing space technology with innovative feats like the Starship “chopsticks” maneuver, which aims to improve rocket reusability. SpaceX recently made history by using a unique mid-air “catch” technique, employing mechanical “chopsticks” on the launch tower, known as Mechazilla, to secure Starship’s massive Super Heavy booster upon descent. By avoiding ocean landings, this approach promises to reduce costs and turnaround time, boosting efficiency in space travel.
“Elon Musk is inspiring the world with his cutting-edge rockets and reusable technologies,” Somanath said, noting that Musk’s breakthroughs make space exploration more appealing. “Space is becoming attractive and accessible, inspiring young people to look at it with passion,” he added. His comments underscored Musk’s impact on global space interest, which continues to push technological boundaries, making space exploration cheaper and more sustainable.
#WATCH | At IIT Delhi, ISRO chief S Somanath says, “…The person there in the US, Elon Musk, is making, heads turn with the type of rockets that he has captured with the chopsticks recently and people are asking when ISRO is going to do this… Everyone is looking at Elon Musk,… pic.twitter.com/g4Yc2ZvAQ6
— ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2024
India’s space sector, Somanath explained, is also evolving, with increased private participation encouraged by recent government policies aimed at opening space exploration. “There’s a growing focus on accessibility, economic impact, and job creation in the space industry,” he said, emphasizing the need to expand beyond controlled knowledge to create value and innovation.
The October 13 Starship “catch” maneuver represents a step closer to SpaceX’s goal of reusability, which could make the moon a regular destination for scientific exploration. As Musk’s company considers new ventures, including in-orbit refueling for Starship missions, the bold vision has garnered international attention, with outlets like CNN calling it a “huge leap” for space exploration.
