Germany-based Isar Aerospace was set to make history with the first-ever launch of an orbital rocket from continental Europe. The Spectrum rocket, designed and built entirely by Isar, was scheduled for its maiden voyage on March 24 from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. The launch was planned during a three-hour window but was ultimately scrubbed due to unfavorable winds. The company reassured that both the rocket and launch infrastructure remain in good condition, and they are now working with Andøya Spaceport to determine a new launch date.
Spectrum’s Test Flight Marks a Milestone for Andøya Spaceport and European Spaceflight
Since this was Spectrum’s first test flight, Isar opted not to carry any customer payloads. Instead, the focus is on gathering crucial flight data to refine the rocket’s performance. The launch is also significant for Andøya Spaceport, which officially opened in 2023 and was specifically developed to support Spectrum’s operations. This mission marks the first launch of the new European spaceport, highlighting its role as a key player in Europe’s commercial space industry.
Isar Aerospace Readies Spectrum Rocket for Historic European Orbital LaunchThe Spectrum rocket is a 95-foot (28-meter) tall launch vehicle, placing it between Rocket Lab’s Electron (56 feet) and SpaceX’s Falcon 9 (230 feet) in size. It is designed as a small to medium-lift rocket, capable of delivering up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) to low-Earth orbit.
The two-stage vehicle is powered by nine liquid oxygen/propane-fueled engines on its main booster, with a single Aquila engine for precise orbital maneuvers. Over the past seven years, Isar has designed and developed Spectrum entirely in-house, showcasing Europe’s growing capabilities in independent spaceflight technology.
Isar Secures Contracts as Spectrum Advances Europe’s Space Industry and Norway’s Ambitions
Even before its first launch, Isar Aerospace has secured contracts for Spectrum’s future missions. On March 12, the Norwegian Space Agency announced that Isar would launch the Arctic Ocean Surveillance (AOS) satellites by 2028. The AOS program is a major step in Norway’s space ambitions, and launching from Andøya Spaceport will further strengthen Europe’s space industry. Norwegian Space Agency Director General Christian Hauglie-Hanssen called this partnership a “true milestone” for Norwegian space activities.
Launching an orbital rocket is a complex challenge, and few rockets succeed on their first flight. Isar Aerospace has set realistic expectations, stating that their primary goal is data collection rather than reaching orbit. The company has outlined six key mission milestones but remains focused on learning as much as possible from this first flight. While weather conditions delayed the initial launch attempt, Isar remains committed to its vision, and Spectrum’s eventual liftoff will be a significant achievement for Europe’s space industry.
