But the plans took an unexpected turn when Mr Musk suggested the Super Heavy could instead be intercepted before touching the ground.
In a brief Twitter exchange with a fan who created a 3D render of the Super Heavy’s descent profile and landing, Mr Musk said SpaceX will attempt to catch the rocket with its launch tower arm.
He tweeted: “We’re going to catch the Super Heavy Booster with the launch tower arm, using the grid fins to take the load.”
In another tweet, the tech mogul explained this would be a more cost-effective measure as it would save on mass and the cost of installing legs on the Starship booster.
Mr Musk thinks catching the Super Heavy with the launch tower will put it in a prime position to be refuelled and ready to launch again within an hour of landing.
