UK’s new spaceport in Shetland saw a rocket engine exploding during its launch test on Monday. The German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) carried out the test. The company was aiming to create and launch the UK’s first vertical rocket into orbit.
Before progressing to the launch, a scheduled nine-engine test was being done. Monday’s test took place at SaxaVord Spaceport on the island of Unst, Scotland.
The RFA said an anomaly led to a loss of stage. However, there were no injuries and the launch pad was safe. RFA said it was working with the spaceport and authorities to find the exact cause of the failure.
As it has done throughout the test campaign, SaxaVord Spaceport will support its client RFA in its investigations following Monday’s stage loss.
All safety protocols were fully observed and the site evacuated prior to the test, meaning no RFA or SaxaVord personnel were at risk. https://t.co/5q1NrkLSId
— SaxaVord Spaceport UK (@SaxaVord_Space) August 19, 2024
Thick plumes of smoke and heavy flames erupted from the base of the rocket. It rapidly consumed the entire structure in a massive fire.
The incident occurred three months after the first successful rocket test at the site. Back then, RFA had fired their engines for eight seconds before shutting down.
SaxaVord Spaceport in UK has said that all safety protocols were fully observed. It added that the site was evacuated prior to the test too, leaving no staff at risk.
WESTERN EUROPE’S ADVANCED SPACEPORT
In December 2023, SaxaVord Spaceport got approval to begin orbital launches in 2024 from the Civil Aviation Authority.
The spaceport was to be the first such port in Western Europe to be able to launch an orbit vertically. It permitted up to 30 launches a year.
The port also permits up to 30 satellites and other payloads to be launched in a year. It allows launch into commercially valuable polar orbits, high in demand for communications and observation.
Unst is located at the northernmost tip of the British Isles. Its location holds an advantage as rockets lifting off from the site do not need to pass over populated areas. Unlike other launch sites, launches from Unst do not require performing dog-leg manoeuvres, or limiting the weight of the payload.
