The launch from the SpaceX base in South Texas was initially successful. The rocket left the launch pad, and its two stages – the Super Heavy booster and the Ship spacecraft – successfully separated. The booster returned to base, where it was successfully intercepted by the "sticks" of the launch tower.
However, the spacecraft failed. On schedule, the upper stage had to lead 10 test satellites through 17,5 minutes after launch and crash into the Indian Ocean near Australia through 50 minutes. However, the ship exploded through 8,5 minutes after the start, and its wreckage fell into the Atlantic Ocean near the Turks and Caicos Islands.
17 January Federal Aviation Administration of the USA (FAA) stated, which requires an investigation of the incident to determine the cause of the accident and implement the necessary adjustments.
SpaceX has already named the likely cause of the accident as a fuel leak, which caused a fire in the rear of the ship. At the time of the accident, the FAA put in place a debris response area, causing several aircraft in the area to be delayed or diverted due to low fuel levels.
According to the terms of the FAA, SpaceX should investigate, but the final report must receive approval from the agency, which issues licenses for missile launches in the USA. Return to launches is possible only after confirmation, that all systems, processes or procedures are safe for the public.