SpaceX successfully launches Starship rocket

LOS ANGELES -- SpaceX launched its Starship rocket on the fourth test flight from its facility called Starbase in southern Texas on Thursday.

The rocket, lifted off at about 7:50 am local time (1250 GMT) near Boca Chica Village, has completed the test flight for the first time, returning to the Earth and splashing down in the Indian Ocean.

Minutes after liftoff, SpaceX confirmed Starship's Raptor engines have ignited during hot-staging separation. The first-stage booster, known as Super Heavy, executed the flip maneuver and boostback burn. Super Heavy has splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico.

Starship coasted in space, and re-entered the Earth's atmosphere. About 1 hour and 5 minutes after launch, SpaceX confirmed Starship's splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

Flight 4 flied similar trajectory as the previous flight test, according to SpaceX.

The company's three previous attempts resulted in destruction of the rockets before the flights were completed.