The consecutive failures may have decreased the likelihood SpaceX can meet NASA’s goal of landing on the moon in 2027, experts said.

Elon Musk hailed Starship’s latest test flight as a “big improvement” despite his rocket appearing to explode into pieces during its return to Earth on Wednesday morning.

After launch, an apparent propellant leak entered its suborbital trajectory left Starship spinning and mission control unable to control the craft.

SpaceX has faced criticism for its previous Starship test failures. Its executives insist that building fast, destroying expensive hardware, and learning quickly from mistakes are all part of the company's philosophy — in stark contrast with NASA 's much slower approach.

Unlike in recent tests, SpaceX’s ninth Starship survived launch, but a fuel tank leak meant it lost control before it could complete its objectives.