Support Now From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more SpaceX’s giant Starship rocket blew up in midflight during a crucial test of Elon Musk’s Mars ambitions after its booster was successfully caught by its “chopsticks” system. “Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn. Teams will continue to review data from today’s flight test to better understand root cause,” the company said on X on Thursday. “With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s flight will help us improve Starship’s reliability.” open image in gallery Starship Flight 7 saw SpaceX catch the Super Heavy booster using a ‘chopstick’ mechanism on the launch tower at the firm’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, on 16 January, 2025 (SpaceX) Starship Flight 7 lifted off from the company’s Starbase facility in Texas at 4.37pm local time (10.37pm GMT) on Thursday, with the first stage booster returning to the launch pad shortly after. The second stage was unable to complete the flight test after its engines began to shut off while approaching orbital velocity. Measuring two metres taller than its predecessors, the Block 2 Starship is the biggest rocket ever built – more than double the height of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed! ✨