SpaceX reported that its Starship rocket broke apart mid-flight, scattering debris widely on Thursday. The incident occurred during tests to assess the rocket's capabilities. According to videos online, the rocket's upper stage disintegrated over the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean Sea.

SpaceX Lost Contact with Starship

Shortly after the news spread, SpaceX issued a statement. They confirmed losing contact with the spacecraft. Meanwhile, Elon Musk, SpaceX’s CEO, shared a video of the debris. On X, he wrote, “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!”

Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed! ✨
pic.twitter.com/nn3PiP8XwG

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 16, 2025

No Crew Aboard During Incident

Fortunately, no one was aboard the Starship when it broke apart. SpaceX assured that the rocket is still in testing for future moon missions. According to NBC News, the seventh test flight started smoothly. The rocket lifted off from its booster and was supposed to land at the "Starbase" launch site in Brownsville, Texas.

Problems Began After Liftoff

However, issues started shortly after SpaceX lost contact with the Starship. The rocket lost communication just nine minutes after liftoff. Subsequently, Kate Tice, SpaceX’s senior manager, confirmed the loss. Later, SpaceX stated the rocket had a “rapid unscheduled disassembly.”

Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn. Teams will continue to review data from today's flight test to better understand root cause.

With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s flight will help us improve Starship’s…

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 16, 2025

Meanwhile, the FAA acknowledged an anomaly during the Starship Flight 7 mission. They are currently assessing the situation and will provide an update soon.

Planned Flight Path of Starship

Earlier, SpaceX showed a video of the planned flight path. The rocket was to launch from Texas, cross the Gulf of Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula, pass near Cuba, and over the Atlantic Ocean. Ultimately, it was supposed to splash down in the Indian Ocean.

Starship: SpaceX’s Most Powerful Rocket

Starship, SpaceX’s most powerful rocket, stands 400 feet tall. It has two parts: the Super Heavy booster and the upper-stage Starship spacecraft. This rocket is vital for NASA’s Artemis III mission to the moon in 2027. Furthermore, Musk plans to use Starship for future Mars missions. However, this incident has triggered a months-long safety review.