RFA Released an Epic Video Of RFA ONE Engine Explosion at SaxaVord Spaceport

On 19 August, German aerospace startup Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), in preparation for its first orbital launch, conducted a static fire test of the first stage of at the launch site at SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland. The test resulted in a rocket engine exploding.

RFA Postponed SaxaVord Spaceport Launch to 2025 After Engine Explosion

updated on 27th August

Rocket Factory Augsburg now targets its maiden launch from the UK Saxavord Spaceport next year.

“We won’t be firing another first stage this year and the first test flight has also been postponed until next year,” RFA spokesperson Jonas Kellner told SpaceNews.

The company had aimed to fly RFA ONE for the first time in a matter of weeks, before its first stage was destroyed 19th August during tests at SaxaVord Spaceport, Scotland. The inaugural mission had looked set to be the first-ever vertical launch to orbit from British soil.

The company released a video showing a moment when the first stage of the RFA ONE went on fire due to an anomaly, according to the company’s statement.

RFA Is ‘Weeks Away’ From Its First Launch

Previously, during the company’s 2024 half-year earnings call on 8 August, OHB Chief Executive Marco Fuchs disclosed that the inaugural launch of the RFA ONE rocket could be mere “weeks” away. OHB holds a majority stake of approximately 65% in RFA.

All three stages of the RFA ONE rocket have been shipped to the company’s launch site at SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands.

What Happened During The Test?

RFA confirmed the engine destruction in a statement posted on X.com. According to it, the test resulted in an anomaly that led to the loss of the stage. Fortunately, no one was injured in the process. 

A BBC video of the test captures a moment of what appears to be an explosion, possibly involving one of the Helix engines at the base of the stage, with flames quickly erupting from the side. Shortly afterwards, the entire stage is engulfed in flames and subsequently explodes.

“The launch pad has been saved and is secured, the situation is under control, and any immediate danger has been mitigated” – cited from the official statement.

On social media SaxaVord Spaceport stated that “all safety protocols were fully observed and the site evacuated prior to the test, meaning no RFA or SaxaVord personnel were at risk”.

The stage was not test equipment but instead flight hardware intended for use on 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 wrote. “Our goal is to return to regular operations as soon as possible.”

Date Of The First Orbital Launch Of RFA ONE

During a presentation at the Farnborough International Airshow, Scott Hammond, Deputy Chief Executive and Operations Director of SaxaVord Spaceport stated that the launch was scheduled for the third quarter. Meanwhile, Matthew Archer, Director of Launch at the UK Space Agency, suggested that the launch may occur by late autumn. 

The latest events may postpone the launch date. However, RFA representatives have not provided any further information concerning this matter and wrote that they “will take time to analyze and assess the situation”.

Until this incident, RFA was in the leading position to be the first among the European startups to attempt an orbital launch. Two other German companies, HyImpulse and Isar Aerospace, are also developing orbital vehicles but have not yet set launch dates.

About RFA And Its Rocket

RFA was founded in 2018 as a corporate spin-off from OHB via MT Aerospace Holding. Its mission is to build cheap rockets “just like cars.” The company consists of over 300 team members representing more than 45 nationalities.

RFA is currently developing a three-stage rocket, RFA ONE. The vehicle is 30m long and 2 m in diameter. It is designed to deliver payloads of up to 1,300 kilograms to low Earth orbit.