Shocking moment rocket engine EXPLODES at UK's Shetland Island Spaceport causing huge fireball

This is the moment a rocket engine explodes during a launch test at a new spaceport in the UK.

A huge fireball erupted into the air following a test by German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) at SaxaVord Spaceport on the island of Unst in Shetland.

RFA confirmed that nobody was injured in the explosion and the pad was 'saved' and has since been secured.

The nine-engine test was one of many different trials that were being carried out before it was passed as fit to launch.

RFA were planning to launch the rocket, which is called RFA One, this summer from Shetland.

A look at the beginning of the explosion at a spaceport on Shetland Island in the UK

Shocking footage shows the moment an enormous burst of flames releases from the rocket

Huge clouds of smoke can then be seen engulfing the sky as the entire framework sets on fire

Shocking footage shows the moment large flames and massive smoke clouds emit from the bottom of the rocket. Soon after, the entire structure is set on fire. 

This comes after the first rocket test on the small island of Unst was declared a success.

A spokesman from SaxaVord Spaceport said: 'This was a test, and test campaigns are designed to identify issues prior to the next stage.

"We will work with RFA to understand and learn from the causes and support them as they move forward to the next phase of their preparations."

German rocket firm HyImpulse and Edinburgh-based Skyrora are still planning to use the spaceport, it has been reported.

A photo issued by Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) of the rocket engine  during a 'hot test'

A CGI impression of RFA's rocket, which was planned to be launched from the Shetland Islands this summer

A look at the rocket during RFA's test training drill on the first stage demonstator

The port in Shetland is co-owned by Frank and Debbie Strang who bought the site 15 years ago.

With the UK space industry expanding at the moment, with it worth £17.5bn supporting 48,800 jobs, more spaceports are being planned.

Scotland are planning to follow Cornwall Spaceport in getting permission to build five more sites.

While Glasgow Prestwick and Spaceport Machrihanish are also hoping to join in on the space race.