The Federal Aviation Administration has paused SpaceX's the launch of its Starship rocket as the U.S. agency oversees an investigation by the private company of the breakup after a test launch Thursday.

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

Dramatic footage showing streaks of light zipping across the sky surfaced online following Elon Musk's Starship explosion over the Atlantic Ocean.

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

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

SpaceX said a leak may have caused a fire in Starship’s upgraded Block 2 upper stage, leading to the loss of the vehicle during the super-heavy lift launch system’s seventh test flight, while also signaling it would press ahead with plans for another mission in weeks.

After exploding, the craft sent blazing debris across the sky and forced multiple aircraft flying over and near the Caribbean to divert.

Recent science news covers SpaceX's Starship explosion, a new scent for sniffer dogs aiding cold cases, a Pompeii excavation, and US FAA's investigation into rocket debris in Turks and Caicos. Highlights include a test payload mishap,

A recent SpaceX Starship test ended in an explosion, impacting airline routes over the Gulf of Mexico. Belgian scientists are developing bone scents to aid in solving cold cases, while Pompeii excavations have revealed a luxurious bath complex from ancient Rome.

SpaceX's extraordinary journey under Elon Musk showcases milestones in affordable space exploration, including Starship's successes despite setbacks.

To follow FLORIDA TODAY Space Team live coverage of Tuesday's mission, visit floridatoday.com/space starting about 90 minutes before liftoff.