Increase article font size SpaceX launched its seventh test flight of its Starship rocket on Thursday, but the spacecraft was destroyed following a booster catch back at the pad. Elon Musk‘s company said Starship broke apart, calling it a “rapid unscheduled disassembly.” The rocket appeared to lift off from SpaceX’s launchpad at its Starbase facility near Brownsville, Texas, but eight and a half minutes into the mission, ground control announced that it had lost all communication with the ship. Flights near the Turks and Caicos Islands were spotted diverting to avoid the debris from the explosion on Thursday and footage was shared of debris falling from the sky in the area. Musk shared a video of the debris falling, writing, “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!” The Federal Aviation Administration announced a brief slowdown of flights in and around the Florida area due to possible falling debris from the launch. Story continues below advertisement The spacecraft was supposed to soar across the Gulf of Mexico from Texas on a near loop around the world, similar to previous tests. SpaceX packed the new and upgraded model with 10 dummy satellites for practice at releasing them. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. A minute before the loss, SpaceX used the launch tower’s giant mechanical arms to catch the returning booster, a feat achieved only once before. The descending super heavy first-stage booster hovered over the launch pad before being gripped by the pair of robotic arms, dubbed chopsticks. 2:19