Starship SN8 — 12.5km Belly Flop Test

Starship SN8 reached 12.5 km altitude in a three-Raptor flight, performing the 'belly flop' aerodynamic reentry maneuver for the first time on a full-scale vehicle before exploding on landing due to low header tank pressure. Despite the fiery end, the controlled belly-flop maneuver was the key demonstration SpaceX needed.