What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
SpaceX’s stated reason is a system-level trade: Starship can avoid carrying landing hardware on the returning vehicle, while a launch tower takes on the job of catching it. The intended payoff is to bring the stage back to launch-site infrastructure for reuse. That shifts mass and mechanical complexity from the vehicle to the ground; it does not make the recovery system simpler overall.
What the tower catch changes
A vehicle with landing legs carries those structures through ascent and the return flight, even though they are needed only at the end of landing. In SpaceX’s tower-catch concept, a large fixed facility performs the capture instead. SpaceX describes this as reducing vehicle-carried mass while moving hardware complexity to the ground.
The trade is not “hardware versus no hardware.” The vehicle avoids landing legs, but the operator needs a purpose-built tower and mechanical arms capable of catching the returning stage. SpaceX has not provided a verified numerical estimate of the mass saved by omitting legs, so a specific figure would be unwarranted.
Why bring the booster back to the launch site?
A successful catch leaves the returning stage at the launch site rather than at a separate landing area or offshore recovery location. That is intended to make handling and preparation for reuse more direct by returning the stage to the infrastructure built to support it.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
SpaceX presents rapid reuse as a goal of the approach, not as a guaranteed interval between flights. In its August 6, 2026 reusability update, the company said the tower arms had been shortened to move faster during catch operations. That describes a design change; it does not establish a fixed turnaround time.
How catching compares with landing legs
| Consideration | Tower catch | Landing legs |
|---|---|---|
| Where the landing hardware sits | The capture hardware is part of fixed ground infrastructure; the vehicle does not need to carry landing legs. | The vehicle carries its landing structure through ascent and return. |
| Where the stage ends up | A successful catch returns it to the prepared launch site. | The stage lands at the location for which its legs and landing plan are designed; it may need handling or transport before reuse. |
| Infrastructure dependency | Requires a specialized tower and suitable, authorized operations at the site. | Requires a landing surface and a vehicle configured to land on it. |
| Recovery flexibility | Not the only return mode SpaceX describes: ocean splashdown is also part of its concept. | Legs are one vehicle-based landing approach; they do not remove the need to plan for the destination and recovery operation. |
Neither method is universally better. The trade depends on the vehicle’s missions, expected landing locations, and whether the operator can support the necessary ground infrastructure.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Does every Starship return have to be caught?
No. SpaceX describes both return to the launch site for a tower catch and return to a predetermined ocean splashdown location. The FAA’s environmental review for proposed Starship-Super Heavy operations at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A also analyzes recoverable landings at the site or on a droneship, as well as expendable ocean landings. The return method therefore depends on the operation; a tower catch is not the only mode in the documented plans.
What the FAA review does—and does not—authorize
The FAA’s January 30, 2026 page for the LC-39A project describes an environmental-review scope of up to 44 Starship-Super Heavy launches per year, up to 44 Super Heavy landings per year, and up to 44 Starship landings per year. These are ceilings in the scenario analyzed, not evidence that those flight rates have occurred or have been licensed.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The FAA also states that completing environmental review does not itself guarantee a vehicle operator license. Safety, risk, and financial-responsibility requirements remain. A tower catch thus depends not only on engineering and site infrastructure but also on the applicable regulatory approvals.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep unrelated performance figures separate
SpaceX’s August 2026 update reported that approximately five metric tons of cryogenic propellant had been transferred between tanks in space during its reported test campaign. That figure concerns propellant transfer, not the mass of landing legs or the amount saved by catching a stage.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
