With launch license in hand, SpaceX plans second test flight of Starship rocket Friday

SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket has been cleared for a second test flight Friday, when the company will attempt to boost the unpiloted Starship upper stage into space for the first time, the company announced Wednesday.

After weeks of anticipation, the Federal Aviation Administration granted SpaceX the required launch license earlier in the day, clearing the way for liftoff nearly seven months after the rocket suffered multiple failures and blew itself up during its maiden flight in April.

Since then, SpaceX has implemented what company founder Elon Musk said were "well over" 1,000 upgrades and improvements and carried out 63 FAA-mandated "corrections" designed to improve flight safety and performance.