RFA said that over the past 18 months, it has advanced the development of the first and second stages, focusing on improvements to the Helix engine, tank pressurisation systems and operating procedures.<\/p>\n
The first stage was newly built and tested in Augsburg before being delivered to the launch site at SaxaVord in February, where it will be further integrated with its rocket engines.<\/p>\n
The nine Helix engines are currently being tested in Sweden and are being delivered to SaxaVord on a rolling basis.<\/p>\n
Following a successful hot fire test at the Esrange Space Center in Sweden, the second stage has now been transported to the SaxaVord Spaceport, where it is currently undergoing final checks.<\/p>\n
Preparations are now underway for the integration and further testing of the entire RFA ONE launch vehicle ahead of the first orbital flight from Unst.<\/p>\n
RFA chief development officer Dr. Stefan Brieschenk said: \u201cFollowing the incident in 2024, we thoroughly reviewed, analysed and tested everything and improved the systems to achieve even greater reliability.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe arrival of our first and second stages at the SaxaVord spaceport is proof of our team\u2019s commitment and expertise.\u201d<\/p>\n
No launches have yet taken place from SaxaVord Spaceport, which is the UK\u2019s only fully licensed vertical launch facility.<\/p>\n
SaxaVord Spaceport: Photo: RFA<\/p>\n
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