FAA OKs SpaceX's Starship test flight from Texas

SpaceX has cleared the final hurdle for launching its new giant Starship from Texas on a first test flight. The US' Federal Aviation Administration issued a license for the launch to go ahead on Friday.

It said SpaceX had met all requirements, including safety and environmental issues. The license is valid for five years. SpaceX announced that Starship - the world's biggest and most powerful rocket - could soar as soon as Monday. No people or satellites will be aboard 120-meter tall rocket.

SpaceX will attempt to send the spacecraft around the world, all the way to the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. All of the pieces will be dumped into the sea, with no landings attempted. It will be the first launch attempt of a full-size Starship, made of shiny stainless steel and powered by methane-fueled engines.

Elon Musk envisions using Starships to send people to the moon and Mars. NASA has already signed up for a Starship to put astronauts on the lunar surface as early as 2025.