The First Rocket Launch at Andøya: Exploded on The Ground Seconds After Launch
The rocket turns in the air and hits the ground. Screenshot from the live broadcast of Andøya Space.
Shortly after the launch of the first test rocket for Isar Aerospace at Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway, the rocket fell and exploded on the ground. Andøya Space has set up a crisis team.
Following planned operational activities at Andøya Spaceport, there has been an incident, Andøya Space reports on Facebook at 12:40 Sunday.
"Crisis Management has been activated at Andøya Spaceport. We are collaborating with the emergency services, and Isar Aerospace to gain an overview of the situation", the statement says.
Shortly after the launch of the first rocket from Andøya Spaceport, the almost 30-meter-high and 50-ton rocket fell to the ground and exploded.
Terminated
On the live broadcast, a bang is heard, and the rocket can be seen turning in mid-air. It then hits the ground. Videos taken by spectators show a massive explosion as the rocket hits the ground.
According to a update from Andøya Space, the test flight was terminated by Andøya Spaceport, in accordance with safety procedures within our safety sones.
We look forward to plan the next launch attempt
"The launch vehicle fell into the ocean. No persons have been harmed, and the work with assessing the environmental or material damages are ongoing", says the statement.
Success
"Safety is our utmost priority when conducting operational activities. Updated information will be published on our webpage", the statement continues.
There have been no reports of injuries to personnel or infrastructure after the rocket fell, police tell NTB.
After several delays, the spaceport was scheduled to launch its first launch its first today for customer Isar Aerospace, making Norwegian history.
"For both Andøya Spaceport and Isar Aerospace, this test flight was a success. All procedures and systems were validated, and we look forward to plan the next launch attempt".
The story has been updated.
