Pre-launch testing of the launch vehicle’s engines at the UK’s new SaxaVord spaceport on the Shetland Islands ended with the explosion of the rocket’s first stage, The Guardian writes on August 20.
The tests were carried out by the German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (FRG). A spokesman for the company said the explosion was caused by an “anomaly”. According to him, no one was injured.
“The launch site has been saved and secured, the situation is under control and any immediate danger has been minimized.”pointed out
RFA, based in Augsburg, Germany, said it was working with the spaceport and authorities to find the cause of the failure.
“We designed it iteratively, focusing on real-world testing. This is part of our philosophy and we were aware of the increased risks associated with this approach. Our goal is to get back to normal as soon as possible.”said a company representative.
The first engine tests carried out three months ago were successful. The first time, RFA ran the engines for eight seconds before shutting them down.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has given permission for the first rockets to be launched into space from Unst in late 2023. The cosmodrome allows both horizontal and vertical launches.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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