RFA Rocket Test Ends in Explosion
Rocket Factory Augsburg’s (RFA) first rocket stage blew up during a test on Aug. 19, putting a dent in the German company’s plans.
RFA shared on social media that their RFA ONE rocket’s first stage was lost during a test at SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands. Luckily, no one got hurt.
A BBC video captures an apparent explosion of one of the Helix engines in the rocket’s base, followed by flames engulfing the entire stage until it explodes.
“The launch pad has been saved and is secured, the situation is under control, and any immediate danger has been mitigated,” RFA said in its statement. “We are now working closely with SaxaVord Spaceport and the authorities to gather data and info to eventually resolve what happened.”
Back in May, the company had successfully tested the stage with only four of its nine Helix engines. All nine engines were installed for this latest test, but it’s unclear if all were supposed to fire.
This wasn’t just a test model but real flight hardware intended for the first launch. “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,” RFA stated. “Our goal is to return to regular operations as soon as possible.”
People always hope these tests go smoothly, but sometimes things go wrong.
This incident pushes back RFA’s schedule. They had hoped for a first orbital launch as early as September. Marco Fuchs, the CEO of OHB (which owns most of RFA), mentioned in an Aug. 8 call that he thought a launch was only weeks away.
He also noted that all nine engines were installed, with tests coming up soon. The second and third stages were already at the spaceport along with the payloads. “What is really imminent is the full integration of the launcher and also, in a matter of weeks, a launch attempt. We’ll see when exactly this will take place,” he said then.
RFA was leading the pack of European startups aiming for an orbital launch. Other German companies, HyImpulse and Isar Aerospace, are also working on rockets but haven’t set launch dates yet. Isar hinted they might aim for a launch later this year.
Meanwhile, Spanish startup PLD Space is building launch facilities in French Guiana, aiming for a 2025 launch of their Miura 5 rocket. UK-based Orbex is also planning a first launch from Sutherland Spaceport in Scotland around 2025.
