August 20, 2024 – On August 19th, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that a rocket launch test conducted at the newly established SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands of the United Kingdom ended in failure. The rocket’s engine exploded, resulting in a massive fireball that engulfed the launch site.
According to the report, the test was carried out by the German rocket manufacturer, Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), which aims to become the first company to send a vertical rocket into orbit from the UK.
The scheduled engine test was part of a series of pre-launch experiments. Initially, huge flames and smoke were seen billowing horizontally from the base of the rocket, until the entire device was consumed by the inferno. RFA confirmed that no one was injured in the explosion.
Just three months ago, the company announced the success of its first rocket test on the island of Unst. During that test, RFA’s engine ignited for 8 seconds before shutting down safely.
In a statement, SaxaVord Spaceport emphasized that all safety protocols were strictly adhered to during the test. The site had been cleared of personnel prior to the test, ensuring that no one was in harm’s way. A spokesperson stated, “This was a test, and the purpose of such activities is to identify issues before progressing to the next stage. We will collaborate with RFA to understand the reasons behind the failure and learn from it, providing them with support as they move forward with their preparations.”
It is noteworthy that in December 2023, SaxaVord Spaceport received approval from the UK government to commence orbit launches this year. Once operational, it will become the first fully licensed spaceport in Western Europe capable of vertical orbit launches, supporting up to 30 launches annually for delivering satellites and other payloads into space. German rocket company HyImpulse and Edinburgh-based Skyrora are among the firms planning to utilize this facility.
