SpaceX rocket explodes shortly after 'successful' landing 4 Mar, 2021 12:22 AM 2 minutes to read SpaceX rocket explodes shortly after 'successful' landing. Video / Lab Padre Other SpaceX's futuristic Starship appeared to finally ace a touchdown today after two previous tries ended in massive fireballs. The full-scale prototype soared more than 10 kilometres after lifting off from the southern tip of Texas. It descended horizontally over the Gulf of Mexico and then flipped upright just in time to land, then the official livestream ended. Seconds later, the prototype appeared to be steadying itself as planned, before a large explosion tore it apart. The massive blast came just after SpaceX commentator John Insprucker declared "third time's a charm as the saying goes."