SpaceX successfully completed a landmark test of the new Starship launch system on Friday, photos of which CEO Elon Musk labelled “Hell On Earth”.

The static fire test – a pre-launch operation in which engines are fired while anchored to the launch pad – of a 33-engine booster called Super Heavy took place at its Starbase site in South Texas.

Three photos posted on social media showed fire under the engine and plumes of smoke.

SpaceX are building Starship with the intention of taking people and cargo to the moon, Mars and beyond.

Three earlier missions have failed, but the next mission could launch as soon as early May, SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said last month.