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Rocket explodes during testing at UK's new spaceport in Shetland

Rocket Factory Augsburg says ‘anomaly’ led to ‘the loss of the stage’, adding that there were no injuries

A rocket company has vowed to return to regular operations “as soon as possible” after an explosion during a test at the UK’s new spaceport in Shetland. Monday’s nine-engine test, which took place at SaxaVord Spaceport on the island of Unst, was one of the trials due to be carried out before progressing to launch. RFA, which is based in Augsburg, Germany, said it was working with the spaceport and authorities to find the cause of the failure.

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