Private space exploration company SpaceX has enjoyed a successful rocket launch - but an ambitious attempt to land the rocket on a floating platform did not go exactly to plan.
The Falcon launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida was a success, sending a 'Dragon' cargo ship to the International Space Station (ISS).
Uniquely, the launch was part of SpaceX's ambitions to successfully have a rocket 'land' again, so it could be reused at a later date. If the company successfully achieves such a landing, it could in theory significantly reduce the costs of space launches.
Unfortunately, while the rocket successfully reached the floating 'drone' platform, it 'landed hard'. While the rocket was destroyed, the drone ship survived the encounter.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted updates about the test as it was happening. As he said himself, 'close, but no cigar':
Ascent phase good. Dragon deployed to Space Station rendezvous orbit.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 10, 2015
Ascent phase good. Dragon deployed to Space Station rendezvous orbit.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 10, 2015
Rocket made it to drone spaceport ship, but landed hard. Close, but no cigar this time. Bodes well for the future tho.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 10, 2015
Ship itself is fine. Some of the support equipment on the deck will need to be replaced...
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 10, 2015
Didn't get good landing/impact video. Pitch dark and foggy. Will piece it together from telemetry and ... actual pieces.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 10, 2015
