German launch services provider Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is currently focused on building a new first stage for the inaugural flight of its RFA ONE rocket. The stage that was initially earmarked for the flight was destroyed during a static fire test.
On 19 August 2024, RFA conducted an integrated static fire test of the first stage of its RFA ONE rocket. The test was expected to be one of the final steps before the company attempted an inaugural flight. However, an anomaly during the test caused the stage to burst into flames, ultimately leading to its destruction. Fortunately, the company’s launch pad at SaxaVord, where the test was being conducted, did not suffer any significant damage.
In a statement given to European Spaceflight, RFA confirmed that it expects to attempt an inaugural flight of RFA ONE in 2025. The company explained that it is currently “fully focused on building a new first stage and qualifying it.” The rocket’s second stage and Redshift OTV third stage are already qualified for flight and are being stored until a new first stage is ready.
In addition to working towards its inaugural RFA ONE flight, the company is also preparing for a busy 2025 at its engine testing facilities at the Esrange Space Center in Sweden.
Late last year, the Swedish Space Corporation, the commercial operator of the Esrange Space Center, published a safety notice for “multiple rocket engine tests” that would be conducted at the facility between 1 December 2024 and 31 December 2025. When asked for clarification on this testing, an SSC spokesperson referred European Spaceflight to Isar Aerospace and RFA, both of which have engine testing facilities at Esrange.
RFA has two test stands at the facility. Its vertical test stand has two test positions: one for single engine test and one for complete RFA ONE second stages. The horizontal test stand is used for putting its turbopumps through their paces. According to an RFA statement, both test stands will be used “on an ongoing basis in 2025.” While the company declined to provide information on the number or nature of this testing, it did share that it is “constantly working on refinements and improvements” for its Helix rocket engines.
