Spacecraft destroyed after SpaceX starship test flight

SpaceX, an American aerospace company, lost spacecraft after launching its much-anticipated Starship rocket on its latest test flight Thursday.

The SpaceX’s mission ended in disappointment as the spacecraft was destroyed following a thrilling booster catch back at the pad, reports media.

The company owned by Elon Musk said Starship broke apart as six engines of the spacecraft appeared to shut down one by one during ascent. The spacecraft lost contact just 8 1/2 minutes into the flight.

Considered a new and upgraded model, the spacecraft was supposed to soar across the Gulf of Mexico from Texas on a near loop around the world similar to previous test flights.

 The company packed it with 10 dummy satellites to practice releasing them.

SpaceX used giant mechanical arms of the launch tower to catch the returning booster, a feat achieved only once a minute before the loss.

Before being gripped by the pair of arms dubbed chopsticks, the descending booster hovered over the launch pad.

The last data received from the spacecraft indicated an altitude of 146 kilometres and a velocity of 21,317 kph.

Musk, also known for his ownership of X Corp, formerly known as Twitter, said according to preliminary analysis, the high pressure in a cavity above the engine firewall may be the result of leaks of fuel.

He said a fire suppression system would be installed in the area, with increased venting and leak detection.

In the late afternoon, the 123-meter rocket had thundered away from Boca Chica Beach. As a result of the late hour, daylight entered the Indian Ocean halfway around the world.