Rocket Flames Begin Shooting Sideways During Launch Test
During a recent hot fire test at SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland, a rocket engine explosion occurred, sending flames sideways instead of downward. The BBC crew, positioned a mile away, witnessed the dramatic incident, which was intended to simulate the thrust needed for a rocket launch without an actual takeoff. The test was part of preparations by Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) for their RFA One rocket, aimed at launching satellites from UK soil.
Despite following safety protocols and evacuating the site beforehand, the test did not go as planned, leading to a fire engulfing the launch platform. RFA's team, composed of young engineers, will now analyze data and footage to determine the cause of the failure. The incident highlights the complexities and challenges of rocket testing, as experts emphasize the difficulties in synchronizing multiple engines during launches.
RFA aims to resume operations after a thorough assessment, underscoring the iterative nature of rocket development and the inherent risks involved in space exploration.