A rocket engine has exploded throughout a launch take a look at on the UK’s new spaceport in Shetland.
The take a look at was being carried out by German firm Rocket Manufacturing unit Augsburg (RFA) who hope to ultimately launch the UK’s first vertical rocket into orbit.
The scheduled nine-engine take a look at was a part of a lot of trials attributable to be carried out earlier than progressing to launch.
RFA stated no-one was injured within the explosion and the launch pad had been “saved and is secured”.
Massive flames and plumes of smoke may initially be seen taking pictures horizontally from the underside of the rocket.
The whole construction was then engulfed by hearth.
It comes three months after the primary rocket take a look at on the web site on the tiny island of Unst was carried out and declared successful.
On that event, RFA fired their engines for eight seconds earlier than shutting down.
A press release from SaxaVord Spaceport stated all security protocols have been absolutely noticed and the positioning was evacuated previous to the take a look at, leaving no workers in danger.
A spokesman stated: “This was a take a look at, and take a look at campaigns are designed to establish points previous to the following stage.
“We’ll work with RFA to know and study from the causes and assist them as they transfer ahead to the following section of their preparations.”
In December 2023, SaxaVord Spaceport was given approval from the Civil Aviation Authority to start orbital launches this yr.
It was to be the primary fully-licensed spaceport in Western Europe capable of launch vertically into orbit.
It permits as much as 30 launches a yr which that might be used to take satellites and different payload into area.
German rocket agency HyImpulse and Edinburgh-based Skyrora are among the many corporations planning to make use of the spaceport.
Lockheed Martin/ABL Area Techniques can be planning orbital launches as a part of the official UK Authorities Pathfinder launch.
The SaxaVord Spaceport, a former RAF radar station, is co-owned by Frank and Debbie Strang.
They purchased the positioning 15 years in the past with preliminary plans to show it into an eco-tourism attraction.
The area business within the UK is estimated to be value £17.5bn and helps about 48,800 jobs at 2,200 companies.
Cornwall Spaceport was the UK’s first licensed spaceport, nevertheless its rockets are launched horizontally carried by an plane.
Scotland at the moment has 5 proposed spaceports below growth, with the Sutherland Spaceport additionally below development with ambitions of launching 12 rockets into orbit per yr.
An additional spaceport is deliberate on North Uist, with each Glasgow Prestwick and Spaceport Machrihanish hoping to affix the area race and conduct horizontal orbital launches sooner or later.