Test rocket stage blows up at SaxaVord Spaceport
The first stage of a test rocket has exploded during a ‘hot fire’ at Scotland’s SaxaVord spaceport, Rocket Factory Ausberg (RFA) has confirmed, adding that no one was injured and “any immediate danger has been mitigated”.
Video on social media shows flames and smoke billowing from the bottom of the rocket before an intense blaze appears to consume the whole structure. RFA – which ultimately aims to provide a cost-effective way to launch satellites into low Earth orbits – stated that the loss of the stage was caused by “an anomaly”, adding that its is now working closely with SaxaVord Spaceport and the authorities “to gather data and info to eventually resolve what happened”.
RFA’s commenced the hot fire campaign for its first stage at SaxaVord (the UK’s first vertical spaceport) located on the northern Shetland Islands, in May 2024. “Unlike engines with an open combustion cycle, in RFA’s Helix engine the exhaust gases from an oxygen-rich preburner are fed into the main combustion chamber after driving the turbopump. The fuel is thus burned more completely, increasing Helix’s efficiency by 7%,” explained RFA. Nine engines are used in the first stage.
RFA also confirmed that “the launch pad has been saved and is secured,” with the situation “under control”. Saxavord added that “all safety protocols were fully observed and the site evacuated prior to the test, meaning no RFA or SaxaVord personnel were at risk”.
Recognising that “advancing space technology is complex and at the cutting edge of aerospace,” tests “like the one at SaxaVord are essential to achieve future success,” stated the UK CAA (Civil Aviation Authority). “Incidents like this are anticipated by operators and the regulators and safety exclusion zones are in place to protect people and property.”
As the UK’s space regulator, “we’re in contact with those involved to make sure the industry continues to have the highest levels of safety and that all parties understand and learn from what has happened,” concluded the CAA.
