Rocket Factory Augsburg investigate ‘issue’ ahead of hot fire test
ROCKET Factory Augsburg (RFA) has made the decision to “de-stack” its flight vehicle to investigate “an issue” it has encountered.
The German space company had previously posted a photo of their RFA One rocket standing on the launch stool at the SaxaVord Space Centre ready for a hot fire test.
The company is expected to be the first to attempt an orbital launch from the UK soil, later this summer.
It is not known at this stage if this latest delay will compromise the five-week launch window, which has been granted starting from 10 August.
The company is licenced to launch their rocket within this timeframe on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday and following 24-hour notice.
In a statement a RFA spokesperson said: “After a successful week of our test campaign pressuring the flight vehicle for the first time in preparation for the hot fire test of RFA ONE, an issue was encountered with the vehicle.
“We have made the decision to de-stack the vehicle in order to investigate and take corrective action where required.
“We will provide further updates as soon as confirmed information is available.”
Two years ago, the company’s RFA One rocket was engulfed in flames after oxygen caught fire during its first hot fire test.
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