Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), a German space launch company, suffered a setback in its quest to launch its first orbital rocket. The company confirmed that the first stage of its RFA ONE rocket was destroyed during a static fire test on August 19 at SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands.
A video of the test, captured by the BBC, shows an apparent explosion, potentially involving one of the Helix engines in the base of the stage. Flames erupted from the side, engulfing the entire stage in flames before it exploded. RFA stated that the launch pad was secured, the situation was under control, and any immediate danger had been mitigated.
The company had successfully conducted a static fire test of the stage in May with four of its nine Helix engines installed. RFA had since installed all nine engines but did not specify if all were intended to be ignited in this test.
It's important to note that the destroyed stage was not a test article but flight hardware designated for the inaugural launch. RFA explained that their development process emphasizes real testing, even with the associated risks.
The incident, however, has delayed the company's planned first orbital launch attempt, initially expected as early as September. Marco Fuchs, CEO of OHB, which holds nearly 65% of RFA, had stated on August 8 that a launch attempt was “a matter of weeks” away.
RFA was in a leading position among European startups aiming for orbital launches. Other companies like HyImpulse and Isar Aerospace, both German, are also developing orbital vehicles but have not announced launch dates. Isar, however, has indicated they are targeting a launch later this year.
Spanish startup PLD Space plans to launch its Miura 5 rocket in 2025 from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, while UK-based Orbex aims for a first launch from Sutherland Spaceport in Scotland, also in 2025.