A rocket engine exploded during testing at the SaxaVord Spaceport located on Unst, Shetland, on Monday evening. German manufacturer Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) was conducting the test when the incident occurred, but thankfully no injuries were reported.
The explosion engulfed the entire launch structure now deemed destroyed, following footage from the test showing flames consuming the engine. RFA stated they are eager to resume operations and stressed the importance of such tests for future launches.
The current aim is to execute the first-ever vertical rocket launch from UK soil later this year—a milestone eagerly anticipated by the UK space sector. Referred to as RFA One, this rocket stands 30 meters tall and has the capacity to deliver 1,300 kg to sun-synchronous orbits.
Diving deep, the details of the explosion reveal it happened during what is called a “hot fire” test—where all nine Helix engines are ignited on the vehicle’s first stage. This is the lower section responsible for lifting the rocket off before it separates for continued flight.
Following the explosion, RFA is currently analyzing data and video footage to get to the root of the problem. Seeking to understand what went wrong, company engineers have yet to identify any obvious causes for the catastrophic failure.
Experts stress the complexity of rocket engine testing grows exponentially as multiple engines operate simultaneously. Professor Malcolm Macdonald of Strathclyde University pointed out how common such failures are during initial rocket tests.
Despite the setback, RFA states they embrace iterative production—learning from every failure to improve future designs. Earlier intentions projected launching from SaxaVord around September or October, but experts anticipate potential delays due to this incident.
According to Professor Macdonald, re-establishing operations could be swift, but they will likely need to retest thoroughly before actual launches resume. With each rocket failure providing valuable lessons, the company's timelines may need to be adjusted for safety and success.
SaxaVord Spaceport—uniquely situated as the northernmost part of the UK—was previously transformed from an RAF base to accommodate space operations through £30 million of investments. Launching from this northern location provides tactical advantages for specific satellites, reducing risks of debris falling on populated areas.
RFA’s current endeavors are part of broader ambitions among multiple companies vying for the UK’s budding space launch capability. While RFA leads with advanced plans, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact other future launches from Scotland.
Following the explosion, officials from the UK Civil Aviation Authority emphasized the importance of stringent safety measures surrounding aerospace activities. They reiterated their commitment to working with RFA and SaxaVord administrators to maintain high safety standards as rocket testing advances.
Reflecting on the situation, RFA emphasized the balance between innovation and safety. They maintain the importance of real-world testing to advance space technology, acknowledging the inherent risks involved.
Despite the unfortunate incident, progress continues on establishing the UK as a competitive player within the European space industry. The SaxaVord Spaceport initiative is particularly notable, contributing to the growing demand for orbital satellite launches across the globe.
