SpaceX rocket explodes in flames on landing deck (Video)

Elon Musk has revealed video and details of the crash of the Falcon 9 booster as it attempted to make an historic powered landing after the launch of the CRS-5 mission.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk released the video, saying: “Close, but no cigar this time.”

The gigantic tube – named Falcon 9 – was meant to land safely on the barge located off the coast of Florida in the United States.

But all did not go according to plan, with an explosion which wrecked the rocket’s engine and legs.

The enormous rocket, measuring 14 stories in height, was part of efforts by SpaceX to use recyclable equipment in its missions, to hold down costs.

SpaceX was founded by entrepreneur Musk in a bid to colonise the planet Mars.

Agencies/Canadajournal