Elon Musk's Starship rocket, the largest ever built, failed its ninth test flight due to an altitude control issue caused by a leak. The rocket, launched from Texas, reached space but lost contact with ground control. This follows two previous explosions in the Caribbean. While the rocket performed some tests, including a planned engine disablement for landing, it's expected to land disoriented. The launches have faced environmental scrutiny, with SpaceX fined for Clean Water Act violations and harming shorebirds.

Prepared by Jonathan Pierce and reviewed by editorial team.