The most powerful rocket ever developed, known as Starship which was built by American entrepreneur Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, is about to attempt its maiden launch.

It stands nearly 120 meters tall and is designed to have nearly twice the thrust of any rocket in history.

The unmanned launch will take place from Boca Chica in Texas and is scheduled for 08:00 local time.

Musk urged everyone to temper their expectations as it is common for there to be misfires on the first outing.

“It’s the first launch of a very complex, giant rocket, so it may not launch. We will be very careful and if we see anything that causes us concern, we will postpone the launch.” Musk said on Twitter Spaces and added:

“If we do launch, I would consider anything that doesn’t result in the destruction of the launch pad itself to be a win.”

SpaceX will attempt to launch the Starship into the air at 08:00 local time.

Thousands of spectators are expected to try to reach coastal locations in the Gulf of Mexico to watch the event.

Starship is designed to be fully and quickly reusable. Its top section has previously been tested in a short launch, but this will be the first time it will be launched together with its lower section.