The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has released images showing a fire and explosion at SaxaVord Spaceport. Its source was the first stage of a rocket built by German startup RFA.
A longer video from the BBC shows the failure at ignition during the Static Fire test. The vehicle tried to depress at the point of the anomaly, but it was then just a progression to the RUD of the entire booster.https://t.co/2eEITjzdcl https://t.co/leFC8APl8B pic.twitter.com/YtjChWPS5w
— Chris Bergin – NSF (@NASASpaceflight) August 20, 2024
In a subsequent statement, RFA confirmed that the fire occurred during the first stage burn of the RFA One rocket. The video shows an explosion, possibly one of the Helix engines, happened at the base of the stage after the engines were activated. The flames then covered the entire stage, and then it exploded.
No one was injured in the accident. Its causes remain unknown for now. But we can already say that it was a big hit for RFA. After all, the company just recently reported successful preparations for the first RFA One orbital test, which was scheduled for the autumn.
RFA One rocket
The RFA One rocket has a two-stage design with the option of adding an extra third stage/booster. Its length is 30 m (in a three-stage configuration) and its diameter is 2 m. RFA One uses kerosene as propellant and liquid oxygen as oxidizer.
In its most powerful version, RFA One will be capable of launching 1,600 kg to LEO, 1,300 kg to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, 450 kg to a geo-transition orbit, and up to 150 kg on a trajectory to the Moon. According to statements by the startup’s management, the cost of launching the rocket will be around 3 million euros.
In preparation for the first flight, RFA had time to conduct successful firing tests of the rocket’s second stage and its booster. As for the first stage, RFA engineers also conducted a fire in May. However, only 4 of the 9 engines installed on it were involved. Another firing test with all power units was required to allow the rocket to fly. Unfortunately for the company, it ended in fiasco. It is important to note that the lost stage wasn’t a test product, but was flight equipment intended for use in the first launch.
Before this incident, RFA had a good chance to win in the unofficial race of European startups attempting their first orbital launch. Its main competitors are HyImpulse, Isar Aerospace and Orbex. They have also reached the finish line, but have not yet set launch dates.
