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

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

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