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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Jon Kelvey

Elon Musk Starship news - live: SpaceX to give major update on future of its Mars-bound spacecraft

SpaceX plans an orbital launch of its Mars-bound rocket Starship in early 2022 (Elon Musk)

Elon Musk is set to give a major update on the future of his Starship spacecraft on Thursday evening.

The rocket system – which he hopes will one day take people to the Moon and then Mars – is yet to complete the orbital test that could decide its future.

Mr Musk has given few clues on what the update could entail. But it is possible he could announce a date for that test, which would see the spacecraft leave the Earth, fly in orbit and then crash down into the sea.

The presentation is set to be held at SpaceX’s Starbase compound in Boca Chica, Texas, where development of the Starship has been taking place.

It has already seen a number of successful test, including firing of its vast engines and short hops into the sky. But an orbital test would represent a major step forward for the spacecraft – which Mr Musk has repeatedly make clear represents his hopes for the future of travel from the Earth and beyond.

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