Live updates: SpaceX just launched and intentionally exploded a rocket for NASA to test a spaceship abort system

• SpaceX just completed a crucial safety test that's designed to show its Crew Dragon capsule is ready to carry astronauts to space.
• The company's Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 10:30 a.m. ET, but mission controllers intentionally shut off its engines about 84 seconds into the flight.
• At that moment, the Crew Dragon spaceship detached and sped away with its own rocket engines. Seconds later the tumbling rocket exploded under the strain of aerodynamic forces.
• About 9 minutes into the mission, the Crew Dragon space capsule splashed down into the Atlantic Ocean, where recovery crews are now working to recover the ship.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, has just completed a vital safety test of its new spaceship for NASA astronauts with flying colors - and a gigantic explosion.

This story is being updated. Please refresh for updates.