SpaceX will attempt to launch its Mars-bound Starship rocket within the next eight weeks, Elon Musk

SpaceX will attempt to launch its Mars-bound Starship rocket within the next eight weeks, Elon Musk has announced.

It will be the second time SpaceX has attempted an orbital launch of its Starship system, which is the biggest and most powerful rocket ever developed.

The first attempt at an orbital Starship launch took place in April, ending in a dramatic explosion just minutes after lift-off.

Responding to a request on Twitter for an update on Starship, Mr Musk said the next test would be in “6 to 8 weeks”.

The SpaceX boss has previously said that he hopes to build an entire fleet of Starship rockets in order to transport people and cargo across the Solar System.