A rocket engine has exploded during tests for a landmark space flight from the UK.
On Monday evening, RFA planned to complete anine-engine test of its launch vehicle.
But disaster soon struck.
Footage of the incident shows the engine sending a fireball into the night sky.
A longer video from the BBC shows the failure at ignition during the Static Fire test.
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RFA said no-one was injured in the incident and the launch pad was saved.
The company will now investigate the cause of the explosion.
Our goal is to return to regular operations as soon as possible, RFA said ina statement.
SaxaVord has also sought to allay concerns.
The spaceport has committed to continue the test campaign.
In 2017, the countys space agency identified the site as its preferred location for satellite launches.
SaxaVord is also the only spaceport in the UK with a vertical launch licence, which was grantedin December.
The following March, the British government announced a fresh 10mn investment in the site.
SaxaVord says the support will boost the wider spacetech sector.
But we are really an enabler for everything else.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
