‘Very unusual’ fire caused rocket explosion, delaying first space launch bid

The test took place at SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst (SaxaVord/PA)

Engineers have identified a “very unusual” oxygen fire in a turbopump as the reason a rocket engine exploded during a test at the spaceport in Shetland earlier this week.

The blast on Monday has delayed a German company’s efforts to carry out the first vertical satellite launch from European soil.