SpaceX Starship nears launch date after successful test of Mars-bound deep space SN20 engine, Elon Musk says

SpaceX will launch its next-generation Starship SN20 rocket next month after successfully testing its deep space Raptor Vacuum engine, Elon Musk has confirmed. The launch will be the first orbital flight for the Mars-bound craft, which is being built to transport people and cargo around the Solar System. Previous Starship prototypes have performed high-altitude flight tests from SpaceX's Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, but the next stage of development requires a massive Super Heavy rocket in order to propel it to orbit. The November test will see Starship SN20 launch from Starbase before separating from the booster rocket and touching down 90 minutes later off the coast of Hawaii. SpaceX will attempt to catch the Super Heavy rocket using "robot chopsticks" attached to the launch tower – named'Mechazilla' by Mr Musk – that will guide it back down onto the pad.