SpaceX embarked on its Starship development journey in 2019, unveiling the steel test vehicle known as 'Starhopper.' This initial prototype, resembling a water tower, conducted short test flights to evaluate landing maneuvers, reaching altitudes of a few dozen meters.
Progressing from Starhopper, SpaceX transitioned to testing larger-scale Starship spacecraft prototypes, each designated with a serial number or 'SN.' Despite facing setbacks with four prototypes ending in explosions during landing attempts, the company achieved a significant milestone with a successful soft landing following a 10-kilometer test flight in May 2021.
Subsequently, SpaceX set its sights on more ambitious endeavors, including the development of the Super Heavy rocket booster essential for propelling the Starship into orbit. While no Starship rocket has achieved a stable orbit around Earth yet, SpaceX's focus has been on refining launch procedures, engine reignition, and safe landing protocols post-space travel.
The highly anticipated first launch of a Starship and Super Heavy in April 2023 encountered a setback when the rocket's engines failed to ignite as expected. To prevent the vehicle from deviating off course, SpaceX initiated a controlled self-destruct sequence shortly after liftoff.
