SpaceX Starship launches ... then explodes (13 images)

The uncrewed launch of SpaceX's Starship spacecraft ended with an explosion after it left the Starbase spaceport in Boca Chica, Texas, on April 20, 2023. While the spacecraft successfully lifted off, the second stage failed to separate andthe vessel broke up.

SpaceX's Starship explodes minutes after lift off from Starbase, in Boca Chica, Texas, on April 20,2023. Photo by Thom Baur/UPI

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Starship lifts off for its first test flight launch before the explosion. Photo by Thom Baur/UPI

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Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly in mid-air. Photo by Thom Baur/UPI

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The spacecraft self-destructed minutes later when the upper stage failed to separate. Photo by Thom Baur/UPI

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