THIS is the shocking moment a rocket exploded in a massive fireball just seconds after a test launch at the UK’s new spaceport.
The nine-engine rocket blew up on the launchpad at SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Isles last night.
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Footage shows huge flames and plumes of smoke shooting out from the bottom of the rocket before engulfing the rest of it.
Spacecraft firm Rocket Factory Augsburg said it will return to regular operations “as soon as possible” after the failed test.
The German company admitted an “anomaly” had led to “the loss of the stage”.
Nobody was injured during the incident, an RFA spokesperson said last night.
RFA said: “On Monday evening, Rocket Factory Augsburg conducted a hot fire of its first stage at their launch site at SaxaVord Spaceport.
“This resulted in an anomaly that led to the loss of the stage. No-one was injured in the process.
“The launch pad has been saved and is secured, the situation is under control, and any immediate danger has been mitigated.”
RFA says it is now working with the spaceport and the authorities to find out what led to the incident.
The firm said: “We develop iteratively with an emphasis on real testing.
“This is part of our philosophy and we were aware of the higher risks attached to this approach.
A spokesperson added: “Our goal is to return to regular operations as soon as possible.”
“We will keep you updated on our channels. Until them we kindly ask for your patience.”
A spokesperson for SaxaVord said: “This was a test, and test campaigns are designed to identify issues prior to the next stage.
“We will work with RFA to understand and learn from the causes and support them as they move forward to the next phase of their preparations.”