SpaceX lost the upper stage of its Starship rocket on Thursday, the company said. It was the rocket's seventh orbital test after experiencing engine anomalies as it ascended toward space.

"At this point in time, we can confirm we did lose the ship," SpaceX's Kate Tice said during a webcast of the operation, adding: "We always knew that excitement is guaranteed today, success not guaranteed."

Officials for Elon Musk's company said the spacecraft was destroyed.