Exploding During Trial, German Startup Delays Launch Of Its Rocket

RFA delayed the rocket's inaugural launch (photo: dock. RFA)

JAKARTA Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) plans to launch its first rocket by the end of this year. However, after the first stage of its rocket exploded in a static test shootout, RFA changed its launch schedule. Jonas Kellner, RFA Spokesman, told Spacenews that it would stop launching the first phase of this year. The German startup will also delay its rocket's first test flight to focus on fixing the problem that caused the rocket to explode. "We will not launch the first phase again this year and the first test flight has also been postponed until next year," said Kellner some time ago. This decision was taken shortly after RFA's static testout ended in failure Meanwhile, in RFA's social media post, RFA's Chief of Operations and Founder Stefan Brieschenk said that technicians would make more than 100 improvements to the rocket's driver. Most improvements were made in propellant and pressure systems. "(This improvement) will help us overcome severe engine damage without losing the stages," said Brieschenk. If there is a severe engine failure like an exploding turbo pump, we will not lose the stages in the future.

Brieschenk also briefly explained how the first stage of its rocket could explode on the launch pad of SaxaVord Spaceport. On August 19, RFA technicians turned on the entire rocket engine. One of its engines experienced an unusual anomaly. "The plan on Monday is to turn on the stage with nine engines for the first time," said Brieschenk. "The possibility (the anomaly) is a fire at the oxygen pump. It was very difficult to overcome. Before technicians took action, the fire had spread throughout the engine so the rocket exploded in a short time. The burst of fire was seen in the propellant manifold system and signaled that this point could not be repaired. That is, the first stage was completely destroyed.