Watch: Preparations for Shetland rocket launch

A rocket manufacturer has successfully tested rocket engines at a space port on Shetland.

German-based Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) said the start of its “hot-fire test campaign” at SaxaVord Spaceport had run “flawlessly”.

To successfully launch into orbit, powerful engines are required that can break free from earth’s gravity, and these engines are tested in advance.

A total of four Helix engines were hot-fired, with them being ignited one by one at four second intervals.

All engines ran simultaneously for eight seconds with a total hot-fire duration of 20 seconds.

RFA said the test ran without any issues through start-up, steady-state and shutdown.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) granted a “range licence” to SaxaVord Spaceport in April, which will allow the company to control the sea and airspace during launch.

RFA could be the first to launch an orbital mission from Shetland by the end of the year.