SpaceX's Starship rocket lands but then explodes

The SpaceX company has managed to land one of its Starship prototypes at the end of a high-altitude test flight, Report informs.

Serial Number 10 (SN10) touched down in Boca Chica, Texas - in contrast to its predecessors SN8 and SN9, which crashed into the ground.

But that wasn't the end of the story. The next-generation space vehicle put down heavily on its extended legs.

A fire then developed around its base, and eight minutes later, SN10 blew itself apart on the landing pad.

Nonetheless, SpaceX will be hugely encouraged by the test and the fact that the prototype successfully executed its in-flight maneuvers and managed to make a reasonably soft landing. These milestones will give the company confidence as it moves forward with the ambitious concept.