Mechazilla is designed to catch and handle the first stage of SpaceX's Starship, known as the Super Heavy Booster, upon its return after launch. This catching mechanism aims to eliminate the need for landing legs on the booster, thereby reducing mass, complexity, and potentially turnaround time between launches.
Mechanism:
The tower features two large mechanical arms, often referred to as "chopsticks," which are capable of catching the Super Heavy Booster. These arms can position the booster for stacking with the Starship upper stage before launch and catch it upon its return.
The system involves a complex coordination of hydraulic systems, steel cables, and a heavy-duty draw works (a winch-like mechanism) to lift, maneuver, and secure the massive rocket components.
Recent Developments: