SpaceX executed the most successful flight test of its super-powerful Starship launch system to date, featuring Starship's first-ever payload deployment and a thrilling Indian Ocean splashdown. Today's 10th test flight followed three earlier missions that fell short of full success.

SpaceX successfully test launched its Starship rocket on Tuesday, overcoming past failures that had raised questions about the capabilities—and planetary aspirations—of the pioneering space launch firm.