Brownsville (USA) - Parts of the "Starship" rocket system have burned up in the sky. This was the eighth failed test flight by Elon Musk's (53) aerospace company SpaceX.

As reported by People and other US media, the test flight could not be completed as planned.

"We just saw some engines fail. It looks like we're losing altitude control of the ship," said SpaceX communications manager Dan Huot during a webcast.

"Starship " is the largest rocket system ever built in space history. The failed ascent ignition is likely to be another setback for the ambitious project with which Elon Musk hopes to one day explore Mars.

Falling rocket parts were spotted over the US state of Florida and the Caribbean. The FAA had to temporarily halt take-offs and landings at several airports in Florida.

The previous test flight of the "Starship" ended similarly. "We will analyze the data from today's flight to better understand the cause," SpaceX said.

The missile system was first tested in April 2023. Back then, it exploded after just a few minutes. During further tests, however, the upper stage had already reached space and subsequently made a controlled landing in the Indian Ocean.

Overall, the system is larger than the Statue of Liberty. Both parts - the booster and the spaceship - are designed in such a way that they can be reused after returning to Earth.

Elon Musk has not yet commented personally on the failed test flight.