SpaceX's Starship exploded in its eighth test, scattering debris over Florida and the Caribbean, sparking online debate over Elon Musk and DOGE.

SpaceX pulled off the rocket booster catch maneuver during its eighth test flight but the Starship spacecraft exploded over the Caribbean, according to reports from residents.

SpaceX plans to retry the 8th launch of its Starship from South Texas on Wednesday evening after it halted Monday’s attempt with seconds to go in the countdown.

SpaceX also is seeking permission to launch and land as many as 25 Starships a year in South Texas. Its proposal also calls for possible Starship splashdowns in the Pacific Ocean around Hawaii.

Held every year in the capital of conservative-leaning Texas, the South by Southwest festival increasingly celebrates the state's emergence as a technology hub stepping out of Silicon Valley's shadow.