The explosion at a Shetland spaceport could delay Scotland’s first orbital rocket launch until the spring or summer of 2025, believes one of the country's leading academics.

The fiery explosion occurred during an static engine test, as German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) prepares to launch the UK’s first vertical rocket into space. An orbital test flight at SaxaVord Spaceport was due to take place in a “matter of weeks”, according to a report by SpaceNews. Now, that timeline has been thrown into doubt. 

Professor Malcolm Macdonald, an academic at the University of Strathclyde who specialises in space technology and astrodynamics, told The Herald: “This would have been one of the last major tests before the orbital test in the next 4-10 weeks.”

However, RFA engineers will now need time to figure out what went wrong, and ensure they can “properly investigate” any damage to the “launchpad infrastructure.” Furthermore, the rocket’s first stage will need to be replaced, which will cost extra time and money. 

As such, Professor Macdonald suggested that the orbital test will be pushed back to “the spring or summer” of 2025, months after its original launch date.

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This proves a blow to the aspirations of the new spaceport, which opened just three months ago after a prolonged planning battle with Historic Environment Scotland, who objected to the proposed redevelopment of the Chain Home radar station. A successful first test was carried out on the 22nd of May earlier this year, when RFA test-fired four Helix engines at four second intervals. 

SaxaVord Spaceport is permitted to “host up to 30 launches a year” and is currently the only spaceport in the UK which is licenced to host vertical launches. In contrast to horizontal launches, which use aeroplanes to carry rockets toward space, vertical launches ‘blast off’ using a specialised launch pad. 

Asked if explosions on the launchpad are more common than perceived, Professor Macdonald remarked: “From a space and launch perspective, this isn’t that unusual… Yet, it is very dramatic when you see the video footage.”

“From a space sector perspective, these things happen. That’s why we have tests.”

The explosion comes at a time of expansion for the space industry in the UK. According to the BBC, five new spaceports are being developed across Scotland, including in Sutherland, where a spaceport is currently under construction. Other spaceports are earmarked for North Uist and Glasgow Prestwick. According to Professor MacDonald, the industry employs 8,500 people over 180 different organisations.

“Glasgow builds more satellites than anywhere in Europe,” the academic noted. “The launches are continuing that momentum and growth.”

Less than a month ago, it was announced that the government’s National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) would invest £10.9 million into the Scottish space industry, including at SaxaVord. NSIP provides funds to companies researching “high-innovation technologies,” including German firm HyImpluse, which also has a deal to use the Shetland spaceport. 

At the time, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “This is an exciting time for the Scottish space sector as we look forward to the first satellite launch from SaxaVord in Shetland later this year. The burgeoning industry plays a vital role in our economy and employs thousands of people across the country.”

Now, with the launch likely to be pushed back into 2025, key stakeholders have issued statements aimed to reassure the public about the future of the programme. 

A RFA spokesperson said: “On Monday evening, RFA (Rocket Factory Augsburg) conducted a hot fire of its first stage at their launch site at SaxaVord Spaceport.

“This resulted in an anomaly that led to the loss of the stage. No-one was injured in the process.

“The launch pad has been saved and is secured, the situation is under control, and any immediate danger has been mitigated.”

A SaxaVord spokesperson added: “This was a test, and test campaigns are designed to identify issues prior to the next stage. 

“We will work with RFA to understand and learn from the causes and support them as they move forward to the next phase of their preparations.”

The Civil Aviation Authority also commented on the explosion. In a post on X, a spokesperson said: “Advancing space technology is complex and at the cutting edge of aerospace and tests like the one at SaxaVord are essential to achieve future success. Incidents like this are anticipated by operators and the regulations and safety exclusion zones are in place to protect people and property.  

“As the UK’s space regulator, safety is the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s priority and we are in contact with those involved to make sure the industry continues to have the highest levels of safety and that all parties understand and learn from what has happened.”