Rocket Factory: Oxygen fire in turbopump was probably to blame for explosion
Rocket Factory Augsburg has named the first possible causes for the explosive rocket test on the Shetland Islands and postponed the maiden flight again.
A rendering of a launched rocket from Rocket Factory.
(Image: Rocket Factory Augsburg AG)
Following an initial review of video footage and additional data on the devastating fire outbreak during the ignition of the first stage engines of the RFA One small rocket in Scotland last week, Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has provided initial insights into the technical analysis, preliminary conclusions and planned next steps. The plan for Monday was to put the large rocket stage into operation for the first time with all nine motors, Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and co-founder of RFA, explained in a social media video on Friday. However, a "very unusual" anomaly had occurred in one of the eight engines that had successfully ignited: "It was most likely a fire in the oxygen pump," the space researcher continued. "That's really difficult to contain."
The test had been planned for 35 seconds, reported Brieschenk. The fire had quickly spread to neighboring engines. Despite an emergency shutdown, it appears that "everything that followed was simply not designed for the extensive damage caused by this oxygen fire in the turbo pump". A jet of fire seen in the video footage emerging from the side of the rocket indicates a damaged fuel distribution system with no way back. The compromised engine had ejected kerosene. This ultimately led to the collapse of the entire first stage.
First flight of RFA One now 2025 at the earliest
The majority of the engines are no longer present, explains Brieschenk. During the "very important test", the fire extinguishing systems were obviously not designed for the large fire, he admits. The direct support system on the ramp for the launch had collapsed. However, no major damage was caused to the rest of the base's infrastructure. Although the design itself was good, the entire launch system "had to be rebuilt", the insider emphasized. "It was the first ramp we built." There are already more than 100 suggestions for improvement for the next version. A different scaffolding will definitely be erected, and the fire extinguishing systems will be expanded. The main aim remains to put payloads with small satellites into orbit, primarily for earth observation and communication.
The accident occurred during preparations for the maiden flight of the three-stage spacecraft of the Bremen-based space company OHB's spin-off, which was due to take off from SaxaVord Spaceport on the Shetland Islands in the coming weeks. Initially, the launch date was even the end of 2023, later the beginning of August. Now there are further delays. An RFA spokesperson told SpaceNews: "We will not be firing another first stage this year and the first test flight has also been postponed until next year." The mission was supposed to be the first vertical launch into orbit from UK soil, but European competitors such as Orbex and Skyrora may now be quicker.
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