MW Space stocks rise after SpaceX captures booster in fifth Starship flight test
By James Rogers
For the first time, SpaceX used mechanical arms dubbed 'chopsticks' on the launch tower to capture the Starship rocket booster
Space stocks were set to climb Monday following SpaceX's successful fifth Starship flight test.
The private space company's uncrewed Starship spacecraft launched atop a SpaceX Super Heavy rocket from the company's Starbase facility near Boca Chica, Texas, on Sunday morning. For the first time, SpaceX used mechanical arms, dubbed "chopsticks," on the launch tower to capture the Starship rocket booster.
Related: In an engineering feat, mechanical SpaceX arms catch Starship rocket booster back at the launch pad
"Thousands of distinct vehicle and pad criteria had to be met prior to the catch attempt, and thanks to the tireless work of SpaceX engineers, we succeeded with catch on our first attempt," SpaceX said in a statement.
"Just inspected the Starship booster, which the arms have now placed back in its launch mount. Looks great!" SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk posted on X, formerly Twitter, late Sunday.
Related: These space stocks deserve attention, analysts say
The Starship flight test has focused attention on the commercial space sector and several space stocks were climbing premarket Monday. Shares of space-exploration company Intuitive Machines Inc. (LUNR) were up 1.6% in premarket trades, while space-based broadband company AST SpaceMobile Inc. $(ASTS)$ saw shares climb 0.5%.
Rocket Lab USA Inc.'s $(RKLB)$ stock was up 0.9%, while shares of Redwire Corp. $(RDW.UK)$, which manufactures and supplies space equipment, were up 3.2%. However, shares of space-services company Momentus Inc. (MNTS) were down 1.8%.
Related: Elon Musk says humans could soon be heading to Mars. This former astronaut begs to differ.
Away from launch and space-exploration stocks, shares of space-tourism company Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc. $(SPCE)$ were up 0.2%.
-James Rogers
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October 14, 2024 07:48 ET (11:48 GMT)
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