SpaceX received approval from US air safety regulators to launch the fifth major test flight of its massive Starship rocket — a pivotal mission that will see the booster portion return from space and attempt to land upright.

SpaceX is moving forward with plans to undergo the latest test flight of its Starship megarocket that will in the years ahead ferry NASA astronauts to the surface of the moon. The impending launch represents the fifth uncrewed demonstration of the 400-foot behemoth and will follow last-minute approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.

SpaceX launched its giant Starship rocket on Sunday from Texas in a fifth test flight poised to feature the company's first attempt at bringing the rocket's towering first stage booster back to land using huge robotic arms.

SpaceX launched its fifth test flight of its Starship rocket on Sunday and made a dramatic first catch of the rocket’s more than 20-story tall booster.

SpaceX launches its mega Starship rocket on a fifth test flight.

SpaceX on Sunday launched its fifth Starship test flight from Texas and returned the rocket's towering first stage booster back to land for the first time, achieving a novel recovery method involving large metal arms.

The FAA said requirements have been met for the next launch. The company has criticized the length of reviews.