The latest test of Elon Musk’s massive SpaceX rocket, the Starship, failed minutes after launch. Shortly after takeoff from Texas, the rocket disintegrated in space. Eight minutes after liftoff, mission control lost contact with the rocket, which was carrying an unmanned crew but was carrying its first payload of dummy satellites.
Planes flying over the Gulf of Mexico were forced to divert to avoid the debris. Dozens of commercial flights were diverted to other airports, and takeoffs from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, were delayed by about 45 minutes.
“Success is uncertain, fun is guaranteed,” Elon Musk said, posting a video of the debris falling.