German startup’s rocket reaches orbit in Europe’s first commercial launch
Isar Aerospace says it will rapidly expand satellite deployments following the first orbital launch of its Spectrum rocket from Arctic Norway.
German startup Isar Aerospace successfully launched its Spectrum rocket from Andoya Spaceport in Norway, marking Europe's first commercial rocket to reach orbit. The 28m-long, two-stage Spectrum rocket carried five small satellites and an in-flight technology experiment. The milestone launch, hailed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, symbolizes a shift in European autonomy in the space industry.
Isar Aerospace, now well-funded, plans to expand satellite deployments rapidly, with five more rockets in production and aiming for around 40 launches a year. The company is also developing a second launch site in Nova Scotia, Canada, potentially operational by 2028. Norway's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Cecilie Myrseth, praised the launch as bolstering both Norwegian and European security in turbulent times. European rivals include SpaceX from the US and French ArianeGroup.
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