Rocket Engine Explosion Rocks SaxaVord Spaceport Test Launch

A rocket engine exploded during a test launch at SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland's Shetland Islands. German manufacturer Rocket Factory Augsburg confirmed no injuries. The incident occurred on Monday, involving a test for the UK's first vertical rocket launch into orbit. Authorities are investigating the explosion's cause.

A rocket engine exploded during a test launch at SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland's Shetland Islands, the rocket manufacturer announced on Tuesday.

The German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) confirmed that no one was injured in the incident, which took place on the remote island of Unst on Monday evening.

Video footage showed the engine exploding on the launchpad, enveloping the structure in flames and dense smoke. The spaceport, recently certified by the Civil Aviation Authority, aims to launch small rockets into low earth orbit and is touted as western Europe's only fully-licensed vertical rocket launch site.

RFA was conducting tests before executing the UK's first vertical rocket launch into orbit this autumn. Despite the explosion, the launch pad was secured and the danger contained, RFA said. The company is collaborating with authorities to determine the cause.

The UK aspires to lead Europe's commercial spaceflight sector. In 2022, a Cornwall spaceport became the first licensed UK site, launching rockets horizontally with aircraft assistance.

(With inputs from agencies.)