The Saxavord launch platform sustained significant damage during a test firing on 19th August 2024. Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), the German company responsible for the test, said it’s likely caused by a fire in an oxygen pump, and the Helix engine, one of nine on the RFA launcher, exacerbated the issue by feeding the fire with kerosene. The pad fire suppression systems were quickly overwhelmed. This has led to damage to part of the pad structure, which will have to be rebuilt before any more tests are performed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The other 8 engines appeared to perform as expected, which is encouraging. RFA are confident they can resolve these issues and continue with their test programme as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RFA were hoping to perform a launch of the fully stacked RFA ONE sometime in the autumn, but this looks increasingly unlikely given the damage to the pad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saxavord’s statement can be found here: Statement on RFA stage loss \u2013 SaxaVord<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n An overview of the RFA launch pad is on their site here: An Overview of the RFA Launch Pad<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n