Space / No injuries after rocket engine ends up in flames during test at Unst spaceport
ROCKET company RFA has confirmed that there were no injuries when a rocket engine appeared to explode and end up in flames during a test at the SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst tonight (Monday).
Video footage of the incident shows the engine and upright launchpad structure engulfed in flames with plumes of dark smoke rising into the air.
A spokesperson for Germany company RFA, which aims to attempt the first vertical orbital launch from UK soil from the spaceport, said there was an “anomaly” during its latest “hot fire” test.
“No-one was injured in the process,” they said.
“The launch pad has been saved and is secured, the situation is under control, and any immediate danger has been mitigated.
“We are now working closely with SaxaVord Spaceport and the authorities to gather data and info to eventually resolve that happened.
“We will take our time to analyse and assess the situation.
“We develop iteratively with an emphasis on real testing. This is part of our philosophy and we were aware of the higher risks attached to this approach.
“Our goal is to return to regular operations as soon as possible.”
Footage of the @rfa_space anomaly at @SaxaVord_Space has been shared on the @BBCNews #NewsAtTen pic.twitter.com/NuZDwwBwf3
— VixXi (@VickiCocks15) August 19, 2024
A spokesperson for SaxaVord Spaceport said the company will support RFA in its investigations following Monday night’s incident.
They said all safety protocols were fully observed and the site evacuated prior to the test, meaning that no RFA or SaxaVord personnel were at risk.
The spokesperson added: “This was a test, and test campaigns are designed to identify issues prior to the next stage.
“We will work with RFA to understand and learn from the causes and support them as they move forward to the next phase of their preparations.”
RFA recently said it was looking at September or early October for its inaugural launch from Unst following the completion of a series of tests.
Rockets launching from SaxaVord would carry satellites into space.
SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst received its spaceport and range licences from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in December 2023 and April this year.
Earlier this year the UK Government confirmed it has invested £10 million in the project in a bid to lead the European market in space launches delivering payloads of small satellites into polar orbit.
This is how the explosion was witnessed from nearby Norwick:
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