SpaceX’s Starship rocket reaches orbit for the first time

SpaceX's Starship rocket, a prototype called SN8, reached orbit for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the development of the reusable spacecraft. The Starship SN8 prototype was launched on a test flight from the company's facility in Boca Chica, Texas, on December 9, 2020. However, the flight was not without its challenges, as the rocket experienced a dramatic Raptor engine failure, causing it to crash and explode shortly after reaching an altitude of around 32,000 feet. The incident occurred when the rocket's Raptor engine, which is a full-flow staged combustion cycle engine, failed to shut down properly, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash. Despite the setback, the test flight still marked a major achievement for SpaceX, as it demonstrated the ability of the Starship to reach orbit, albeit briefly.