Rocket prototype explodes in skies over Texas

A malfunctioning rocket has spectacularly self-destructed shortly after launch in Texas.

The three-engine rocket, known as the F9R Dev1 test vehicle, was owned and operated by private space transport company SpaceX.

Vision from the test site shows the rocket lifting off in perfect weather conditions, before unexpectedly exploding at a high altitude.

In a statement released on Twitter, SpaceX revealed that the rocket launch was automatically aborted following an anomaly.

“Today’s test was particularly complex, pushing the limits of the vehicle further than any previous test,” said SpaceX.

“The company will be reviewing the flight record details to learn more about the performance of the vehicle prior to our next test”.

The F9R Dev1 test vehicle was an ambitious reusable rocket designed to potentially reduce the costs of future rocket launches.