After two nail-biting and explosive test flights last year, the unmanned Starship rocket was launched from the Starbase facility in central Texas just before half past 2 in the morning New Zealand time.
However, an hour later, SpaceX reported the loss of the rocket after reentry.
But, despite there being no splashdown, SpaceX says its a success, and that much can be learnt from the launch.
Astronomer and author Tom Kerss spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
