Video: Rocket Engine Explodes During Test at UK’s SaxaVord Spaceport

London: A rocket engine explosion occurred during a test launch at Britain’s new spaceport in northern Scotland, marking a setback for the UK’s emerging space industry, officials reported on Tuesday.

The incident took place on Monday evening at SaxaVord Spaceport, located on the remote island of Unst. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, according to Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), the German rocket manufacturer operating the site.

RFA has ambitious plans to launch the UK’s first vertical rocket into orbit from SaxaVord later this year. The failed test was part of the preparatory trials leading up to this historic launch. This comes just three months after RFA successfully conducted its first engine test at the spaceport.

A spokesperson for RFA explained, “On Monday evening, we performed a hot fire test of our first stage at the SaxaVord launch site. Unfortunately, an anomaly occurred, resulting in the loss of the stage. However, there were no injuries.”

The spokesperson further reassured that the launch pad was preserved and secured, with the situation now under control and any immediate threats mitigated.

A representative from SaxaVord Spaceport added that they will collaborate closely with RFA to investigate the cause of the anomaly and support the company as it advances to the next phase of its preparations.

SaxaVord holds the distinction of being the first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport in Europe. It is part of a growing number of space centres across the continent, driven by the increasing demand for small rockets and the expanding commercial space sector.

In December 2023, SaxaVord received approval from UK aviation regulators to commence orbital launches, with permission for up to 30 launches annually, designed to carry satellites and other payloads into space.

This incident follows a previous setback in the UK’s space endeavours when, in January last year, an attempt to launch satellites from UK soil failed. A rocket, deployed from a Virgin Orbit Boeing 747 at Cornwall Spaceport in southwest England, did not achieve orbit after a horizontal launch.

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