The 120-metre Starship rocket system- the most powerful ever built-is due to launch from Texas between 7am and 9am local time, although bad weather or technical issues could delay the flight.
SpaceX, which also operates smaller rockets to launch satellites, as well as human space missions to the International Space Station, gained the necessary approval this week from the US Federal Aviation Administration for the test to go ahead. Concerns were raised locally after debris was scattered over a wide area during April's launch.
Elon Musk, SpaceX's founder, hopes Starship will be the first step on a human journey to Mars, with the system's cruise vessel designed to eventually carry up to 100 astronauts.
This story is from the November 17, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the November 17, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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