German launch startup Rocket Factory Augsburg has completed a second static fire test of the first stage of its RFA ONE rocket.
The RFA ONE rocket is a three-stage rocket that will be capable of delivering payloads of up to 1,300 kilograms to low Earth orbit. SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland will host the company’s maiden launch and up to 30 RFA ONE rocket launches per year. The company has also secured access to a new commercial launch facility being built on the grounds of the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana.
The completion of the second RFA ONE first stage static fire test was reported by YouTuber The Angry Astronaut in a 3 August update. The test itself lasted for approximately 15 seconds and included five of the company’s Helix rocket engines. While this is one more than the previous test, it’s still short of the full nine-engine complement that will be utilized aboard every RFA ONE first stage.
According to The Angry Astronaut’s update, the static fire test had initially been scheduled for the evening before but was scrubbed. Although he did receive confirmation from RFA of the scrub, no reason was given. RFA has also not yet published any official statement regarding the successful completion of the second static fire test.
The next major milestone will be a full nine-engine static fire test. The company will then be able to work towards the RFA ONE rocket’s inaugural flight, which is expected to take place toward the end of this year.
Final second stage static fire test
In a 30 July update, RFA announced that it had completed the final hot fire test of the RFA ONE second stage equipped with a HelixVAC rocket engine. The final test firing lasted for more than 400 seconds and verified the stage as fit for flight. The company confirmed that following the test, the stage began its journey to SaxaVord for integration with the first stage.
