SpaceX rocket crash-landing video shows dramatic explosion
The Associated Press | Posted: January 19, 2015 1:59 PM | Last Updated: January 19, 2015
'Close, but no cigar': Rocket's legs and engine smashed
SpaceX has released dramatic footage of its booster rocket trying to land on a floating ocean barge after a launch — an unprecedented attempt that ended in a fiery explosion.
The video released Friday shows the 14-story rocket hitting the football field-sized barge at an angle, lighting up the night sky off the Florida coast.
The landing attempt came minutes after the Falcon 9 rocket launched a load of supplies to the International Space Station. The first stage peeled away and flew to the barge.
After the loss, SpaceX founder Elon Musk tweeted: "Close, but no cigar this time." He tweeted this week that the rocket's legs and engine section were smashed.
The Southern California-based company attempted the touchdown because it wants to launch reusable rockets to bring down costs.