SpaceX rocket explodes during test flight - as 'launch debris' grounds flights in Florida

SpaceX's Starship rocket has exploded during a test flight, months after a previous failed launch attempt - with multiple flights grounded in Florida due to debris.

The 403-foot rocket blasted off from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, at around 6:30pm eastern time (12.30am UK time).

But, within minutes of launch, contact was lost as the spacecraft - designed to land astronauts on the moon and ferry crews to Mars - went into an out-of-control spin.

Engines on top of Starship started shutting down as it streaked eastward. The flight was supposed to be a controlled entry over the Indian Ocean.

It was not immediately clear where the rocket came down, but images of flaming debris seen from Florida and the Caribbean were posted online.

In a statement, SpaceX said: "During Starship's ascent burn, the vehicle experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly and contact was lost.

"Our team immediately began coordination with safety officials to implement pre-planned contingency responses.

"We will review the data from today's flight test to better understand root cause. As always, success comes from what we learn, and today's flight will offer additional lessons to improve Starship's reliability."

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The megarocket's Super Heavy booster was successfully caught by giant mechanical arms and returned to the launch pad as planned.

Meanwhile, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) issued a ground notice for multiple flights after the test launch, and said it will require SpaceX to carry out a mishap investigation into the loss of Starship.

Airports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Orlando were issued the notice because of "space launch debris" until 8pm (1am UK time).

Departures at the four Florida airports were delayed by an average of 45 minutes due to the incident.

It comes after the previous Starship test flight in January failed eight minutes into flight when the rocket exploded over the Bahamas.

Blazing debris was sent miles across the sky over the Turks and Caicos, a British Overseas Territory. No injuries or major damage were reported.

Elon Musk, SpaceX owner, said on X after the January launch: "Preliminary indication is that we had an oxygen/fuel leak in the cavity above the ship engine firewall that was large enough to build pressure in excess of the vent capacity."

The FAA also said it would carry out an investigation into the failed launch - which is ongoing.