SpaceX prototype rocket explodes on landing in Texas

Starship 9 exploding on landing

Credit: AFP

The Starship prototype rocket being developed by SpaceX has crashed on landing in Boca Chica, Texas.

This was the second prototype in succession to do so, its predecessor also exploded on hitting the ground following a test flight in December.

Despite the rocket being destroyed, SpaceX deemed the flight a success.

It reached an altitude of 6.2 miles before starting on its descent.

“We had, again, another great flight up … we’ve just got to work on that landing a little bit,” said SpaceX principal integration engineer John Insprucker.

The stainless-steel prototypes are the early versions of a rocket that Elon Musk’s company plans to use to take up to 100 people at a time to Mars or the moon.

SpaceX starships SN9(L) and SN10 waiting for test flights at the launch facilities in Boca Chica

Credit: Gene Blevins/Reuters

Work is already underway for the launch of the next prototype, SN10.

The Starship design, which has been developed by Mr Musk, is intended to be reusable.

This would bring down the price of space travel, with the only significant cost being that of fuel.

Earlier this week Mr Musk announced plans for an all-civilian spaceflight.

The flight, which is expected to last up to four days, will see four civilians orbit the earth, in a mission led by  Jared Isaacman, a 37-year-old technology entrepreneur.