Watch VIDEO: Elon Musk's SpaceX Starship Prototype Fails in Space, Disrupting Gulf Flight Paths

Texas (The Uttam Hindu): A SpaceX Starship prototype broke apart in space just minutes after its launch from Texas on Thursday, forcing airline flights over the Gulf of Mexico to divert to avoid potential debris. The incident marked a setback for Elon Musk's ambitious Starship program.

The Starship, carrying its first test payload of mock satellites lost contact with SpaceX mission control about eight minutes after its liftoff at 5:38 p.m. EST (2238 GMT). Video footage captured orange fireballs streaking across the sky over Port-Au-Prince, Haiti with smoke trails in their wake. SpaceX Communications Manager Dan Huot confirmed the loss citing an "anomaly with the upper stage."

This was the most disruptive SpaceX mishap in recent memory causing delays and diversions for at least 20 commercial flights, including some grounded at Miami International Airport, according to flight records and eyewitness reports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident.

Elon Musk shared a video of the debris field on social media, remarking, "Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!" The upper stage, featuring significant upgrades and standing 2 meters taller than previous versions was intended to splash down in the Indian Ocean an hour after launch. Thursday's mission was the seventh Starship test since 2023, part of SpaceX's effort to develop a reusable rocket for Mars missions and satellite deployments. Although test failures are common in SpaceX's "push-to-the-limits" approach this mishap occurred during a previously successful mission phase.

The Super Heavy booster, however, completed its planned return to the launchpad seven minutes after liftoff using its Raptor engines to slow its descent and land on giant mechanical arms at the launch tower. Despite the setback, SpaceX continues its efforts to revolutionize space exploration and transportation.