SpaceX unveils larger grid fins

SpaceX reveals a redesigned grid fin system that is 50% larger and moves to a three-fin layout to enable a tower catch for the Starship Super Heavy.

SpaceX unveils 50 percent larger grid fins for Starship catch at the launch tower

SpaceX has unveiled a redesigned grid fin system for the Starship Super Heavy booster. The fins are 50% larger and stronger than the previous version, and the plan uses three fins instead of four to improve control during descent. The company says the changes support a higher angle of attack, a key factor for catching the booster at the launch tower and speeding up reuse. SpaceX notes the fins also contribute to propulsive landing capabilities that align with its ongoing tower catch strategy.

The redesigned fins feature a new catch point and a lower location on the booster to facilitate a tower catch. Components such as shafts and actuators are being moved inside the booster's fuel tank, a move aimed at reducing external plumbing and improving protection during the catch. SpaceX has conducted multiple tests on Starship upper stages and has succeeded in catching boosters before, though a recent test showed the booster departing the bay with a high angle that underscored the ongoing effort to refine maneuvering and heat management.

The upgrade signals SpaceX's push toward a higher cadence of reuse, a goal that has shaped its testing and design choices for years. A larger grid fin system can simplify control during descent, but it also adds mass and requires new reliability benchmarks. The shift to three fins could change the balance between stability and maneuverability, with potential implications for manufacturing time and cost.

The real test will be whether these changes translate into consistent, rapid reuse rather than flashy demonstrations. If the tower catch and internalized actuation prove durable at flight scale, it could shorten refurbishment cycles and accelerate schedules. If not, the changes could become a new bottleneck that slows progress and invites scrutiny from investors and regulators alike.

Highlights

The next test phase will reveal how this redesign reshapes Starship's path to routine reuse.