Today was the day. After Monday’s anticipated launch of SpaceX’s Starship, the world’s largest rocket, was scrapped due to an apparent valve issue, liftoff was set for Thursday morning, from the SpaceX Starbase in Boca Chica, near the southern tip of Texas.

The launch took place shortly after 8:30 am CDT — with loud cheers audible in the background.

SpaceX CEO and found Elon Musk celebrated the launch, as well.

Unfortunately, while liftoff happened, the rocket’s flight was short-lived as it exploded in mid-air in spectacular fashion.

Obviously, a bit of a disappointment for the SpaceX crew (and space nerds — like me — around the world), but Musk remained sanguine about it, congratulating his team and noting: “Learned a lot for next test launch in a few months.”