Space / Rocket firm planning first launch from Unst this summer
ROCKET Factory Augsburg (RFA) says its first test launch from SaxaVord Spaceport is planned for this summer.
It comes as the first and second ‘stages’ of RFA’s ONE launch vehicle have been delivered to the Unst spaceport.
The company also said the causes behind issues with a hot fire test at the spaceport in 2024 have now been “fully understood and addressed”.
RFA said that over the past 18 months, it has advanced the development of the first and second stages, focusing on improvements to the Helix engine, tank pressurisation systems and operating procedures.
The first stage was newly built and tested in Augsburg before being delivered to the launch site at SaxaVord in February, where it will be further integrated with its rocket engines.
The nine Helix engines are currently being tested in Sweden and are being delivered to SaxaVord on a rolling basis.
Following a successful hot fire test at the Esrange Space Center in Sweden, the second stage has now been transported to the SaxaVord Spaceport, where it is currently undergoing final checks.
Preparations are now underway for the integration and further testing of the entire RFA ONE launch vehicle ahead of the first orbital flight from Unst.
RFA chief development officer Dr. Stefan Brieschenk said: “Following the incident in 2024, we thoroughly reviewed, analysed and tested everything and improved the systems to achieve even greater reliability.
“The arrival of our first and second stages at the SaxaVord spaceport is proof of our team’s commitment and expertise.”
No launches have yet taken place from SaxaVord Spaceport, which is the UK’s only fully licensed vertical launch facility.
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