SpaceX Starship Upper Stage Fails Again During 8th Test Flight

The Super Heavy booster was successfully caught, but the Starship upper stage disintegrated after engine malfunctions during ascent.

SpaceX's eighth Starship test flight ended in failure as the upper stage broke apart after losing control during ascent.
The Super Heavy booster achieved a successful return and capture using the 'chopsticks' mechanism on the launch tower, marking the third successful booster catch.
The upper stage suffered multiple premature engine shutdowns, leading to loss of communication and a dramatic breakup over the ocean.
Test objectives included deploying mock Starlink satellites and testing new heat shield materials, though it is unclear how many were completed before the failure.
The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to investigate the incident, potentially causing delays in SpaceX's testing schedule for the Starship program.