Rocket Factory Augsburg, which conducted a four-engine test at SaxaVord Spaceport in May, had scheduled further tests before its first launch.
A test of a rocket engine at the UK’s SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland took a dramatic turn when an explosion occurred during a nine-engine test by Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), a German aerospace company.
The test, which took place on Monday at the island of Unst, was a crucial step in a series of trials that RFA is conducting as part of their ambitious goal to launch the UK’s first vertical rocket into orbit.
RFA reported that an “anomaly” during the test led to what they described as “the loss of the stage,” but fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The explosion, which sent large flames and thick plumes of smoke horizontally from the rocket’s base before the entire structure was engulfed in fire, was a stark reminder of the challenges that come with pioneering space exploration.
“The launch pad has been saved and is secured, the situation is under control, and any immediate danger has been mitigated,” RFA confirmed in a statement.
The company, headquartered in Augsburg, Germany, emphasized that they are now collaborating closely with SaxaVord Spaceport and local authorities to determine the root cause of the failure and ensure that future tests proceed safely and successfully.
This incident comes just three months after RFA conducted a successful initial rocket test at the same site, during which they fired their engines for eight seconds before shutting them down as planned.
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.
In December 2023, the Civil Aviation Authority granted SaxaVord the approval to begin orbital launches, marking a significant milestone for the UK’s burgeoning space industry. The spaceport is permitted to conduct up to 30 launches per year, primarily aimed at deploying satellites and other payloads into space.
The spaceport, originally a Royal Air Force radar station, was purchased 15 years ago by Frank and Debbie Strang. They initially envisioned transforming the site into an eco-tourism attraction. However, the site’s potential for space exploration soon took precedence, positioning SaxaVord as a key player in Europe’s space race.
“This was a test, and test campaigns are designed to identify issues prior to the next stage,” a SaxaVord Spaceport spokesman stated. “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.”
The spokesman also noted that all safety protocols were fully observed during the test, with the site being evacuated beforehand, ensuring that no staff were at risk during the explosion.
The Future of UK Spaceports and Europe’s Space RaceThe explosion at SaxaVord Spaceport underscores the inherent risks involved in space exploration, but it also highlights the UK’s growing role in the global space industry.
The UK space sector is estimated to be worth £17.5 billion, supporting approximately 48,800 jobs across 2,200 firms. 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.
While Cornwall Spaceport holds the distinction of being the UK’s first licensed spaceport, its rockets are launched horizontally from aircraft, in contrast to SaxaVord’s vertical launch capabilities.
In addition to SaxaVord, Scotland has five other proposed spaceports under development. The Sutherland Spaceport, which is also under construction, aims to launch up to 12 rockets into orbit each year. Further developments are planned for North Uist, Glasgow Prestwick, and Spaceport Machrihanish, all of which are vying to join the space race with horizontal orbital launches.
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Sujita Sinha A versatile writer, Sujita has worked with Mashable Middle East and News Daily 24. When she isn't writing, you can find her glued to the latest web series and movies.
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