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

Washington: 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.

The image from NASA video shows an Orbital Sciences Corporation unmanned spacecraft exploding October 28 at Wallops Island, Virginia, six seconds after launch on a resupply mission to the International Space Station. It was the first nighttime launch of an Antares rocket, said Orbital. Pic/AFP

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).

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