Space X: rocket booster captured in the air for the first time

Starship lifted off at sunrise from Boca Chica Beach in Texas for its fifth test flight and exited Earth’s atmosphere.

About two and three-quarter minutes later, the lower part of it – officially known as the Super Heavy booster – separated from the rest of the rocket.

Instead of having the booster land in the ocean, as normally happens, Space X engineers achieved something that has never been done before.

They were able to slow the booster, which was traveling at a speed of more than 17,000 mph, as it reentered the atmosphere and gently guided it back to the launch pad.

As it approached the 146-meter-high landing tower, its raptor engines worked to control its landing.

The booster was then attached to a huge pair of mechanical arms – a bit like picking up food between two chopsticks.