SpaceX launches satellite, but fails to land rocket on drone ship

SpaceX's fifth attempt to land its Falcon 9 at sea is unsuccessful.

Cape Canaveral: SpaceX on Friday night successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket carrying SES-9 communications satellite into space. However, as expected, the rocket failed to make a return landing on a drone ship at sea afterward.

The rocket, carrying the 12,613-pound (5,721 kg) Boeing-built satellite, lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 6:35 p.m. EST/2335 GMT. The launch, which had been delayed four times since February 24, marked the second of more than 12 SpaceX flights expected this year.

But, Elon Musk described the endevor as 'harder' than 'expected'.

Rocket landed hard on the droneship. Didn't expect this one to work (v hot reentry), but next flight has a good chance.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 5, 2016

Despite the failed landing, the company believed the launch was successful as its main goal of delivering the SES-communications satellite into space was achieved, moreover, SpaceX was not hopeful of landing the vehicle this time.

The company is yet to announce its next flight.