diff --git a/code/modules/fireworks/firework_launcher.dm b/code/modules/fireworks/firework_launcher.dm
index 26044f24456..5f7720fa8c2 100644
--- a/code/modules/fireworks/firework_launcher.dm
+++ b/code/modules/fireworks/firework_launcher.dm
@@ -46,13 +46,15 @@
 		return
 
 	if(istype(O, /obj/item/weapon/firework_star))
-		loaded_star = O
-		user.drop_item()
-		O.forceMove(src)
-		to_chat(user, "<span class='notice'>You insert the firework star into the launcher.</span>")
-		add_fingerprint(user)
-		update_icon()
-		return
+		if(loaded_star)
+			to_chat(user, SPAN_NOTICE("\The [src] already has \a [loaded_star] inside, unload it first!"))
+			return
+		if(user.unEquip(O, 0, src))
+			loaded_star = O
+			to_chat(user, "<span class='notice'>You insert the firework star into the launcher.</span>")
+			add_fingerprint(user)
+			update_icon()
+			return
 
 	return ..()
 
@@ -121,4 +123,4 @@
 	var/datum/planet/P = SSplanets.z_to_planet[T.z]
 	if(!P)
 		return
-	return P
\ No newline at end of file
+	return P