German startup Isar Aerospace achieves first private orbital launch from Norway

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German rocket firm Isar Aerospace achieves first private European orbital launch from Norway
ContinuationGerman startup Isar Aerospace achieves first private orbital launch from Norway
German aerospace startup Isar Aerospace successfully launched its Spectrum rocket into orbit from Norway’s Andøya Spaceport on Saturday, marking the first private orbital launch from continental Europe.
The uncrewed Spectrum rocket, designed for small and medium payloads, carried five small satellites and an in-flight technological experiment. Liftoff occurred at 22:12 CEST, with the rocket reaching orbit shortly after. “We’re in orbit! And just made European history,” Isar Aerospace posted on social media .
Norway’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Cecilie Myrseth, called the launch a breakthrough for Europe’s launch industry, stating it strengthens Norwegian and European security . German Research Minister Dorothee Bär said the achievement demonstrated Germany’s innovative strength and technical expertise .
The mission followed a failed 2025 test flight, where the Spectrum rocket crashed 30 seconds after liftoff. This second attempt, supported by the European Space Agency’s Boost! program, also delivered payloads for the European Launcher Challenge . Isar Aerospace has already begun construction on a third Spectrum rocket .
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