SpaceX has successfully launched its biggest ever rocket, named Starship, from Texas after a year of mishaps.

Elon Musk's flagship spacecraft, which has been earmarked for future missions to the moon and Mars, took off just after 6.30pm local time on Tuesday.

It launched into orbit and deployed eight dummy satellites before splashing down as planned in the Indian Ocean.

The aim was to test the 403ft-tall ship's new heat shield tiles and satellite deployment abilities, among hundreds of other upgrades from past iterations.

Three minutes into the flight and dozens of miles above ground, the rocket's upper half separated as planned from its Super Heavy booster - the 232ft first stage that normally lands back in its launch tower's giant catch-arms.

Image: SpaceX Super Heavy booster ca

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