A critical test of a rocket engine at the UK's SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland ended in a dramatic explosion on Monday, dealing a setback to Rocket Factory Augsburg's (RFA) ambitious goal of launching the UK's first vertical rocket into orbit. The incident occurred during a nine-engine test at the Unst island site, which is a crucial step in RFA's series of trials.
Rocket Factory Augsburg, which conducted a four-engine test at SaxaVord Spaceport in May, had scheduled further tests before its first launch. Image Credit: RFA
According to RFA, an "anomaly" during the test led to the loss of the stage, resulting in a massive explosion that sent flames and thick plumes of smoke horizontally from the rocket's base. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the launch pad has been secured.
The explosion highlights the challenges and risks involved in pioneering space exploration. RFA is working closely with SaxaVord Spaceport and local authorities to determine the root cause of the failure and ensure future tests proceed safely and successfully.
Despite the setback, RFA remains committed to its ambitious plans. The company aims to launch its first orbital rocket, the RFA One, by the end of 2024. The RFA One is designed to carry payloads of up to 1,200 kg into low Earth orbit, with a target launch price of €7 million.
RFA plans to conduct several more tests at SaxaVord Spaceport in the coming months, including a 15-engine test and a full-duration test of the RFA One's first stage. The company also intends to establish a permanent presence at the spaceport, with plans to build a dedicated launch vehicle assembly facility.
In addition to its launch plans, RFA is also developing a range of satellite platforms and payloads,
including a high-resolution Earth observation satellite and a satellite-based communications system.
Screengrab from the BBC video which shows the moment when the RFA test aricle faced an anomaly and turned into a giant ball of fire. Credit: BBC
SaxaVord Spaceport, located on the remote island of Unst, has been making headlines as Western Europe's first fully licensed spaceport capable of launching rockets vertically into orbit. The spaceport has been granted approval to conduct up to 30 launches per year, primarily aimed at deploying satellites and other payloads into space.
The UK space sector is estimated to be worth £17.5 billion, supporting approximately 48,800 jobs across 2,200 firms. RFA's plans, combined with SaxaVord's capabilities, are set to play a significant role in the UK's growing space industry.
While the explosion underscores the risks involved in space exploration, it also highlights the UK's growing role in the global space industry. SaxaVord's role as the first vertical-launch spaceport in Western Europe is a critical component of this industry, offering a unique launch capability that differentiates it from other UK spaceports.
The incident will not deter RFA and SaxaVord Spaceport from their ambitious goals. As stated by a SaxaVord Spaceport spokesman, "This was a test, and test campaigns are designed to identify issues prior to the next stage. We will work with RFA to understand and learn from the causes and support them as they move forward to the next phase of their preparations."
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