SpaceX Starship Flight Test: Another Challenge on the Path to Colonizing Mars SpaceX recently conducted its eighth flight test of the Starship spacecraft, a key component in Elon Musk’s audacious vision of colonizing Mars. Unfortunately, this test ended in spectacular fashion, as the vehicle broke apart and debris rained down over Florida, grounding several flights. The Details of the Flight Test Taking place on Thursday, this flight test followed a previous failure in January.