SpaceX began serious development of Starship in 2019, debuting the “Starhopper,” a steel test vehicle designed to test landing maneuvers.

After several test flights, including four that ended in explosions, SpaceX succeeded in achieving a soft landing in May 2021 after a 10-kilometer test.

Since then, the company has focused on launching the Starship spacecraft and its Super Heavy booster, although no Starship has reached stable orbit yet.

Instead, the company has concentrated on safe launches, engine re-ignition, and landings, CNN has reported.

The first combined Starship and Super Heavy launch in April 2023 ended minutes after takeoff due to engine failure, leading to a self-destruct.

Written by B.C. Begley