Rocket Factory Augsburg: Engine explodes during test on the Shetland Islands
According to Rocket Factory Augsburg, there was an "anomaly" in the RFA One small rocket after engine ignition. The maiden flight is thus further delayed.
RFA would like to be that far, but has to be patient.
(Image: Rocket Factory Augsburg AG)
Setback for the Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA): There has been "an anomaly" during the ignition of the engines of the first stage of the small rocket RFA One, the offshoot of the Bremen-based space company OHB has announced. The test was part of preparations for the maiden flight of the three-stage missile, which was due to take place this year from SaxaVord Spaceport on the Shetland Islands.
Initially, the launch date was even the end of 2022, and later the beginning of August 2024. Once again, the schedule cannot be met. "We are now working closely with SaxaVord Spaceport and the authorities to gather data and information and finally clarify what happened," explained RFA. "We will take time to analyze and assess the situation."
Video and images from the BBC show the test on the Shetland island of Unst flashing amid the ignition smoke, flames rising rapidly and towering several meters high. The failure occurred three months after an initial run was described as successful. RFA ignited five engines for a few seconds before shutting them down again. According to the company, no one was injured and the launch pad was rescued and secured. The situation is "under control and any immediate danger has been mitigated".
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RFA wants to return to regular operations quickly
The operator of the SaxaVord spaceport emphasizes that all safety protocols were fully complied with. The site was evacuated before the test so that no personnel were at risk.
The first flight of the RFA One was initially scheduled for the end of 2022 from the Norwegian island of Andøya. The Augsburg-based company had concluded a contract with the Ukrainian company Lunar Research Service (LSR) for this purpose. For the development of parts of the engine technology, RFA purchased a used turbopump from the Ukrainian company Yuzhmash in order to obtain entry points for later in-house production with the help of tests. RFA was the second winner of the German Space Agency's "Microlauncher Competition" in 2022 after Isar Aerospace. The satellites to be launched into orbit will primarily be used for earth observation and communication, as well as providing data for self-driving cars, climate and environmental protection or the Internet of Things (IoT), for example.
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