Gilmour’s press release noted that Friday’s incident occurred prior to fuelling, and importantly, there were no injuries. Initial assessments suggest there is no damage to the launch vehicle or ground systems.
The rocket has since been safely returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building, and the team has begun analysing the data to fully understand the cause of the electrical fault. Replacement fairings were delivered within twenty four hours with engineers remaining on site to work the problem as the vegemite test payload returns to the staff kitchen.
As a result, the current test campaign is on hold and the launch will be delayed by at least a few weeks. A new target launch window will be announced once confirmed.
