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

The company says that “Starship flew within its designated launch corridor” and “any surviving pieces of debris would have fallen into the designated hazard area.” The falling debris put on a show in the evening sky over the Caribbean and was captured by several tourists who seemed both amazed and slightly anxious about what they were witnessing.

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.

One just launched the world’s biggest rocket, with mixed success. The other makes small model rockets for hobbyists, and it’s stockpiling supplies ahead of Trump’s tariffs.

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

A fire in the aft section of SpaceX's Starship trigged the apparent explosion that destroyed the spacecraft, the company says.

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,

US air safety regulators ordered a formal investigation into the explosion of SpaceX’s Starship rocket, a decision that effectively grounds the Elon Musk company’s flagship new vehicle.

Discover Kiernan Shipka's journey from 'Mad Men' to 'Sabrina' and her red carpet style. AC Milan close in on completing the move for Manchester City star Kyle Walker. The club is hopeful of wrapping up the signing after further talks, and are waiting to hear whether City will allow the 34-year-old to leave on a free.

STORY: Palestinians in Gaza celebrated as a ceasefire deal finally took effect on Sunday morning, after a nearly three-hour delay.The sound of singing and cheering replaced that of fighting and bombing of the 15-month-old war that has devastated the enclave,