The incident in which a SpaceX rocket broke up after launch demonstrates the challenges the FAA will face as the number of commercial space flights increases.

The "rapid unscheduled disassembly" was likely caused by a propellant leak, Elon Musk said, and was captured on video by spectators on the ground.

Flawed rocket launches by SpaceX and Blue Origin still leave both companies in position to dominate the space sector.

SpaceX's seventh Starship test ended in partial success on Thursday: While the Super Heavy Booster successfully landed at the launch tower in Boca Chica, Texas, the upper stage of the rocket exploded minutes after liftoff.

SpaceX said the ship experienced “a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn,” moments after a dramatic, successful booster catch at the launchpad.

SpaceX’s attempt at a test mission involving its prized Starship spacecraft appeared to end in disaster on Thursday after debris was spotted raining down to Earth by bystanders in the Caribbean.

The seventh test flight of SpaceX’s Starship ended with a successful landing of the rocket’s first stage but also the loss of the Starship vehicle

The third Starship test flight last March saw the spacecraft reach its planned trajectory and fly halfway around the world before succumbing to the scorching heat of atmospheric reentry. In June, the fourth test flight ended with controlled splashdowns of the rocket's Super Heavy booster in the Gulf of Mexico and of Starship in the Indian Ocean.

A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded shortly after liftoff on a test flight Thursday. Jan. 16, 2025. (Greg Munch/TMX)

Videos are circulating of SpaceX's Starship Flight 7 meeting an explosive end over the Atlantic Ocean during its Thursday, Jan. 16 test launch. The flight, conducted at 4:37 p.m. CT from Starbase, TX,

The rocket company said the space vehicle came apart during its ascent. Videos posted to social media showed debris streaking through the sky.