https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/spacexs-starship-sn8-prototype-soars-on-epic-test-launch-with-explosive-landing/

SpaceX’s Starship spaceflight system just took a big step on its path to Mars.

The latest Starship prototype, a shiny silver vehicle known as SN8, launched on an epic high-altitude test flight today (Dec. 9), taking off at 5:45 p.m. EST (2245 GMT) from SpaceX’s facility near the South Texas village of Boca Chica.