Faulty Fuel Filter Blamed for UK’s First Satellite Launch Failure
An investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has revealed that a dislodged fuel filter caused the failure of the first satellite mission launched from UK soil. The mission, carried out on January 9, 2023, involved a jumbo jet operated by American company Virgin Orbit, which transported the rocket from Newquay, Cornwall, to a high altitude over the Atlantic Ocean.
According to the AAIB report, the launch initially proceeded as planned until the fuel filter, located in the hose transferring fuel, became dislodged from its intended position. This malfunction triggered a chain of events that led to the premature shutdown of the second-stage engine.
The investigation found that the dislodged fuel filter reduced the efficiency of the fuel pump, resulting in an inadequate fuel supply to the engine. Consequently, the engine reached unexpectedly high temperatures, causing nearby components to malfunction. This led to the early shutdown of the second-stage engine, and the resulting loss of thrust caused the rocket to fall back to Earth.
Both the second stage and the satellites ultimately landed in the Atlantic Ocean, north of the Canary Islands, while the carrier aircraft, named Cosmic Girl, returned safely to base.
This mission was seen as a significant milestone for the UK space industry, marking an important step towards establishing a home-grown launch capability.