The rocket cleared the launchpad and separated from its booster, surpassing the first attempt. But minutes later, controllers lost contact with the vehicle.
Experts say Thursday's flight wasn't supposed to have gone off without a hitch, and still offers SpaceX valuable data. A space industry analyst explains why it was so significant.
The 400-foot-tall, stainless steel Starship could one day shuttle humans to the moon. But getting the rocket to fly is no easy feat, and it'll be 48 hours until the team can try again, SpaceX said.