IN PICTURES: Rocket explodes on launch in US

A rocket set to resupply the International Space Station has exploded during its launch this morning.

The Orbital Sciences Corporation Cygnus craft was meant to carry about 2200kg of NASA cargo to the station, but exploded after the Antares rocket powering the flight exploded just six seconds after launch.

The Cygnus is an automated and unmanned vessel.

"We have lost the Orb-3 vehicle," said the commentator on NASA television, after the liftoff at Wallops Island, Virginia.

"At this point it appears that the damage is limited to the facility," the NASA commentator said.

Teams are currently working to retrieve data from the launch and securing the crash site.

Nobody was injured during the accident.