SpaceX's new Starship rocket exploded minutes after launch in its first test flight, crashing into the Gulf of Mexico
The rocket was intentionally destroyed by its self-destruct system after multiple engines on the 33-engine booster failed to fire, causing it to lose altitude and tumble
The rocket reached a maximum speed of about 1,300 mph (2,100 kph) and as high as 24 miles (39 kilometers), before going sideways and dropping
Despite the failed launch, congratulations poured in from NASA chief Bill Nelson and others in the space industry, with many saying it represented significant progress toward a reusable super-heavy lift rocket
SpaceX has more boosters and spacecraft lined up for more test flights, with CEO Elon Musk saying they had learned a lot for the next launch in a few months.