SpaceX’s Starship made its first integrated flight test in 2023.
The test took place on April 20, 2023, from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in South Texas. It combined the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage for the first time in a full-stack launch, making it a significant milestone for Elon Musk’s heavy-lift spacecraft program.
The vehicle lifted off successfully, but the flight ended before reaching orbit. SpaceX reported that the vehicle was intentionally or automatically destroyed after the test experienced difficulties, and the launch produced extensive debris and pad damage. The mission nevertheless supplied data for later redesigns and test flights.
Starship is designed as a fully reusable transportation system. Super Heavy is the first stage, powered by many Raptor engines, while Starship is the upper-stage spacecraft and can also function as a long-duration vehicle. The program is separate from Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy.