Elon Musk's SpaceX tests Starship, most powerful ever rocket system

Elon Musk's SpaceX company has performed a key test on its huge new rocket system, Starship.

Engineers conducted a "static fire", simultaneously igniting 31 out of 33 of the engines at the base of the vehicle's lower-segment.

The firing lasted only a few seconds, with everything clamped in place to prevent any movement.

Starship will become the most powerful operational rocket system in history when it makes its maiden flight.