SpaceX's Starship set for global test flight next week.

SpaceX is preparing for the first test flight of its Starship rocket, which could take place as early as next week, pending regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. The rocket, standing nearly 40 stories tall, will be the largest and most powerful launch vehicle ever flown, with 33 methane-fueled Raptor engines driving it off its launching stand with more than 16.5 million pounds of thrust at full power. The purpose of the integrated flight test is to gather data on the performance of the rocket, its engines, computers, and ground systems, helping engineers iterate designs for future tests and operational missions.