SpaceX prioritizes safety in Starship booster test, opts against chopsticks technique

SpaceX chose not to use its "chopsticks" technique to catch the Starship booster during a recent test flight, prioritizing safety. The decision came as President-elect Donald Trump attended the event in Brownsville, Texas. Instead of catching the booster, SpaceX engineers opted for a "booster offshore divert" after certain criteria were not met. The rocket successfully completed its mission, but the booster exploded upon landing in the Gulf of Mexico. Despite the setback, the test is seen as progress in reusable rocket technology. SpaceX aims to reduce flight costs significantly and is preparing for future missions, including a planned Moon landing in 2026.