SpaceX loses spacecraft after catching rocket booster at the launch pad

SpaceX’s mega rocket Starship launches for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

SpaceX launched its Starship rocket on its latest test flight, but the spacecraft was destroyed following a thrilling booster catch back at the pad.

Elon Musk’s company said on Thursday the spacecraft’s six engines appeared to shut down one by one, with contact lost just eight-and-a-half minutes into the flight.