SpaceX launched the Starship rocket for its ninth test flight from the Starbase site in Texas, USA. The rocket carried eight Starlink satellites but failed to deploy them after the cargo bay doors did not open. The rocket lost connection 30 minutes after launch due to fuel tank leaks and altitude issues, leading to an unplanned mid-air breakup.

The reusable Super Heavy booster made a hard ocean landing. Despite setbacks, SpaceX emphasized the importance of lessons learned, stating, “Today’s test will help us increase the reliability of Starship.”

The last two test flights also ended in failure, with the rockets breaking apart around 10 minutes after launch. At 122 meters, Starship is the world’s most powerful space rocket, designed to transport cargo and crew to Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars.