Setback for SpaceX Starship rocket's double-catch test

SpaceX will attempt to catch both parts of its huge Starship rocket after it launches on its next test flight on Friday. Elon Musk's company will use the mechanical arms - nicknamed chopsticks - on its launch tower to grab the rocket parts mid-air as they return to Earth. If successful, this will be the first full recovery of a rocket that's been to space, paving the way for making Starship reusable so it can fly repeatedly.

Nasa will be closely watching the flight: the SpaceX rocket is set to play a vital part in its Artemis programme, which will see astronauts land on the Moon. The 124m-tall rocket is scheduled to blast off from the Starbase launchpad in Texas at 1645 local time (2245 GMT) with a 75-minute-long launch window. After six and a half minutes, the first planned catch will be attempted when the bottom part of the rocket - the Super Heavy booster - returns to the launch tower.

The top part of the rocket, called the Ship, will continue its journey to space and deploy 26 satellites.