SpaceX’s prototype rocket Starship exploded while trying to land after a high-altitude test flight in Texas on Wednesday.
The bullet-shaped heavy-lift rocket was launched several miles into the air but the 6 and a half minute test flight concluded in an explosive fireball.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk alleged that this aircraft can carry people to Mars in as little as six years and despite its failed testing, Musk looked optimistic.
"Mars, here we come!!'' he tweeted.
The launch and ascent of Starship serial number 8 (SN8) were successful, but as the engines appeared to reignite for landing, the vehicle flipped back to vertical and then slammed into the ground, Xinhua reported.
The company said Starship SN8 lifted off from the launch pad in Cameron County, Texas, and successfully ascended, transitioned propellant, and performed its landing flip manoeuvre with precise flap control to reach its landing point.
Yet, "low pressure in the fuel header tank during the landing burn led to high touchdown velocity," SpaceX said on its website.
Starship is SpaceX's fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to the Earth's orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Earlier this month, Musk said the company is working towards the launch of an uncrewed Mars flight in about two years.
