SpaceX on Friday successfully completed the 12th test flight of its massive Starship rocket system, with the spacecraft making a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean after a high-risk mission that included several technical glitches during flight.

Here's why SpaceX waited seven months to try to fly Starship again.

Ahead of a much anticipated IPO, SpaceX is carrying out a critical test of its giant, stainless steel rocket. Investors will be watching closely.