SpaceX tries to recover its entire Starship back at launch pad

SpaceX's attempt to recover its entire Starship back at the launch pad was thwarted when the booster malfunctioned and ended up in the water Friday, but the spacecraft still soared into orbit in its boldest test yet.

Elon Musk's company had to lower its expectations when the first part of the double catch flopped.

Instead of returning to its Texas pad following liftoff, the first-stage booster ended up in the Gulf of Mexico after an automatic abort.

Despite the setback, the bullet-shaped spacecraft continued toward orbit.

It will steer toward the pad Saturday for a similar grab, barring further trouble.

It is the first time that the spacecraft will try to return to the pad from orbit, to be plucked in midair by mechanical arms secured to the launch tower. If all goes well, the flight will last 22 hours.