SpaceX has successfully launched its fifth Starship test flight from Boca Chica, Texas, marking a significant milestone by returning and catching the first-stage booster with mechanical arms.

The Super Heavy booster lifted off at 7:25 am (12:25 GMT) on Sunday, propelling the second-stage Starship rocket towards the Indian Ocean, west of Australia. After separation at an altitude of approximately 74 km, the booster returned to the launch site, where it was caught by robotic arms attached to the launch tower.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk confirmed the achievement on social media platform X, stating, 'The tower has caught the rocket!!' This test flight represents a bold step forward in SpaceX's Starship development program, following four previous launches that ended with the rockets being destroyed.

The company aims to demonstrate the reusability of both stages of the Starship system, which stands nearly 121 meters tall. The second stage is scheduled to attempt atmospheric reentry followed by a water landing in the Indian Ocean.