SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket explodes on barge in dramatic video

Dramatic footage captures the moment a SpaceX rocket exploded in flames on a floating barge after returning from the International Space Station (ISS) in orbit.

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.