US unmanned spacecraft explodes shortly after launch

An unmanned spaceship operated by a private US firm exploded just minutes after its launch Tuesday, media reported.

The rocket blew up over the launch complex at Wallops Island, Virginia, Xinhua reported citin the NASA TV.

Orbital Sciences Corp., the contractor, said no one was believed to have been injured and the damage seems to be limited to the facilities.

TV footage showed flames rising into the sky. The cause of the explosion remains unclear.

The spaceship was supposed to be on its third cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS).