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Near the apex of ascent, the vehicle transitioned into hot staging, a critical moment where the ship's engines ignite while still attached to the booster. The sequence was confirmed with clear telemetry signals indicating all six engines on the ship lit successfully, while the booster engines shut down in the "most engines cut off" (MEO) phase. The booster then initiated its boost-back burn, with telemetry confirming a nominal performance as it began its descent back toward Earth.