An attempted rocket test by a German space firm at the UK’s SaxaVord Spaceport has ended in disaster after the rocket exploded while on the launchpad.

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) – which is focused on providing low-cost, sustainable access to space – said that the first stage of its rocket was destroyed after an “anomaly”, which caused a “hot fire” on the launchpad.

Observers could see large flames and plumes of smoke emerging horizontally from the bottom of the rocket, before the entire structure was engulfed by the fire.

RFA is hoping to be the first firm to make a vertical rocket launch into orbit from UK soil. The firm said that no one was injured in the incident and that the launch pad itself had not taken any significant damage.

“Any immediate danger has been mitigated,” it said. “We are now working closely with SaxaVord Spaceport and the authorities to gather data and info to eventually resolve what happened.

“We will take our time to analyse and assess the situation. We develop...