06:04 GMT+2 ∙ 01 Apr, 2025
On 30 March, 12:30pm CEST, Spectrum launched for the first time from Andøya Spaceport, Norway. Now it’s time to analyze, learn and get back to the pad with Spectrum #2.
Photo: Isar Aerospace | Robin Brillert, Wingmen Media
06:03 GMT+2 ∙ 30 Mar, 2025
“Isar Aerospace has shown that it is capable of developing a complex microlauncher in just six years. This is only possible through many parallel developments and courageous decisions. Today's maiden flight has not be launched nominally. But that doesn't mean it wasn't a success. Days like today are important to detect mistakes early on and to react quickly - which is exactly what we expect from agile companies. We are convinced that Isar Aerospace will carefully analyze the data collected from this launch attempt and gather valuable insights to improve the Spectrum rocket towards a microlauncher that will be successful on the market. As the German Space Agency, we will continue to support Isar Aerospace in this process.”
06:03 GMT+2 ∙ 30 Mar, 2025
“This test launch provides valuable data and is a crucial first step toward future milestones – to analyze, learn, and improve. I am sure Isar Aerospace will return stronger with another launch soon.”
06:03 GMT+2 ∙ 30 Mar, 2025
“A test-flight is exactly that: a test to gather data, learn and improve. Everything Isar Aerospace achieved today is remarkable and they will have lots of data to analyse. I applaud the teams for getting this far and I am confident that we will see the next Spectrum on the launch pad ready for test-flight 2 liftoff soon.”
03:03 GMT+2 ∙ 30 Mar, 2025
After ignition of its first stage and liftoff at 12:30 PM CEST, launch vehicle successfully cleared the launch pad, was terminated at T+30 seconds and fell directly into the sea in controlled manner
First test flight met set goals, substantial amount of flight data and experience will pave the way for future missions
Launch pad at Andøya Spaceport remains intact
Spectrum launch vehicles #2 and #3 already in production
CEO and Co-founder Daniel Metzler: “Our first test flight met all our expectations, achieving a great success. We had a clean liftoff, 30 seconds of flight and even got to validate our Flight Termination System. With this result, we feel confident to approach our second flight.”
Andøya, Norway 30 March 2025 – Satellite launch service company Isar Aerospace has become the first European commercial space company to launch an orbital rocket from Continental Europe. In the first test flight of the company’s Spectrum launch vehicle from Andøya Spaceport in Norway, Isar Aerospace met its set goals: After ignition of its first stage, Spectrum successfully lifted off at 12:30 PM CEST for its first test flight lasting approximately 30 seconds. This allowed the company to gather a substantial amount of flight data and experience to apply on future missions. After the flight was terminated at T+30 seconds, the launch vehicle fell into the sea in a controlled manner. Due to strict safety procedures from both Isar Aerospace and Andøya Spaceport, the safety of all personnel involved was ensured at all times.
Our first test flight met all our expectations, achieving a great success. We had a clean liftoff, 30 seconds of flight and even got to validate our Flight Termination System. We demonstrated that we can not only design and build but also launch rockets. I could not be prouder of our entire team for working so hard over the past seven years to reach this important milestone. Today, we laid the foundation to cater to the rising global demand for flexible satellite launch services. Now it’s time to analyze all data, learn, iterate and be back on the launch pad as soon as possible. As a company with European roots, we are proud to have shown that Europe has an enduring capacity for bold thinking and grand achievements. We have all resources to create globally competitive technology leaders. With our services, we will be able to serve customers from around the world to bring their satellites into space and to help Europe solve a major blind spot in its security architecture: access to space.
Data analysis started, results and experience will be applied to future missions
After a successful liftoff and approximately 30 seconds into flight, the vehicle was terminated and fell into the sea in a controlled manner. The launch pad remained intact. Isar Aerospace will now analyze the data and results it obtained from the first test flight to determine the root cause and iterate the systems of its Spectrum launch vehicle for future missions.
Launch vehicles #2 and #3 already in production
Launch vehicles for the second and third flight of Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum are already in production. Along the approach of full vertical integration, Isar Aerospace develops, produces and tests almost all components of its Spectrum launch vehicle in-house. The company also relies on highly automated series production. In its new headquarter near Munich, Germany, Isar Aerospace will be able to produce up to 40 Spectrum launch vehicles per year in the future. This approach enables maximum flexibility, independence and cost efficiency. By quickly implementing the knowledge gained from this flight, Isar Aerospace ensures that it can offer customers launch services as quickly as possible and stabilize its launch cadence.
The Isar Aerospace team did a fantastic job. This test flight met our expectations for a first launch with a completely clean slate design, in every way. As I have experienced before, it normally can take a few attempts to reach orbit, yet after today’s test flight, I am very confident that Isar Aerospace will be one of the fastest to do so. This test flight is a major success for Isar Aerospace, and the space industry more broadly. Current satellite launch service capacities are limited and concentrated. With a payload capacity of 1,000 kg, Isar Aerospace is proving to be a real solution for most of the global market demand for flexible and cost-efficient launch services, especially since Isar Aerospace has not only built a rocket, but an entire rocket production system.
Takk, Norway
Isar Aerospace values its strong relationship with Norway. Together with Andøya Spaceport, Isar Aerospace has created the first orbital launch site in Continental Europe. Recently, the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA) signed a contract with Isar Aerospace to launch its Arctic Ocean Surveillance (AOS) program satellites. The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) became the first civil aviation authority in Europe to grant a Launch Operator License for a test flight of an orbital launch vehicle from Continental Europe.
Takk, Norge, Andøya Spaceport, and the Andøya community for being our trusted partners on this journey. With Norway, its institutions and people we found trustful and bold allies to help create sovereign and flexible access to space.
01:03 GMT+2 ∙ 30 Mar, 2025
What a success! At 12:30 PM CEST, Isar Aerospace's Spectrum launch vehicle successfully lifted off from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. The launch vehicle was terminated after approx. 30 seconds in flight, and the vehicle fell directly into the sea. The launch pad seems to be intact. With this test flight, we were able to successfully gather valuable data and experience for future missions. Thanks to strict safety procedures from both Isar Aerospace and Andøya Spaceport, all personnel remained safe at all times. With Spectrum #2 and #3 already in production, Isar Aerospace is preparing for its next launch!
Our first test flight met all our expectations, achieving a great success. We had a clean liftoff, 30 seconds of flight and even got to validate our Flight Termination System.
10:03 GMT+2 ∙ 30 Mar, 2025
Isar Aerospace has successfully completed fueling of its launch vehicle Spectrum in preparation for the First Test Flight today.
The teams of Isar Aerospace and Andøya Spaceport continue to check and prepare all systems for the test flight.
Follow the first test flight live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/IKLQxe2MvpQ
The broadcast starts at approximately:
T-20 minutes
12:10pm CEST
10:10am UTC
05:03 GMT+2 ∙ 30 Mar, 2025
Isar Aerospace is approaching the first test flight of its launch vehicle Spectrum today. Mission ‘Going full Spectrum’ launch window opens from 12:30pm to 03:30pm CEST, subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure.
The first test flight will be broadcasted live via YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/IKLQxe2MvpQ
The livestream will only start with a conclusive GO poll at approximately:
T-20 minutes
12:10 pm CEST
10:10 am UTC
Follow our Newsroom for more updates throughout the day.
06:03 GMT+1 ∙ 29 Mar, 2025
After starting the operations for a second launch attempt today, the first test flight of Spectrum is scrubbed due to weather restrictions. Subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure, a new launch window opens Sunday, 30 March.
05:03 GMT+1 ∙ 27 Mar, 2025
Isar Aerospace has announced that the first test flight of Spectrum is moved to Saturday, 29 March, due to ongoing weather restrictions.
02:03 GMT+1 ∙ 27 Mar, 2025
Isar Aerospace announced today that the company will broadcast the first test flight of Spectrum with a public livestream. Mission ‘Going full Spectrum’ will be live on YouTube via: https://youtube.com/live/IKLQxe2MvpQ
The livestream will start with a conclusive GO poll at approximately:
T-20 minutes
12:10pm CEST
10:10am UTC
As the day progresses, Isar Aerospace will provide more information and status updates.
06:03 GMT+1 ∙ 26 Mar, 2025
Isar Aerospace is now targeting the next launch window for its first test flight not earlier than Friday, 28 March. The launch date remains subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure.
Follow our Newsroom for more updates.
05:03 GMT+1 ∙ 25 Mar, 2025
Satellite launch service company Isar Aerospace has announced that the second launch window for the first test flight of Spectrum opens not earlier than Thursday, 27 March, from 12:30pm to 03:30pm. The launch date remains subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure.
A first launch attempt of Mission ‘Going full Spectrum’ on Monday, 24 March, was scrubbed due to unfavorable winds.
01:03 GMT+1 ∙ 24 Mar, 2025
The first test flight of Spectrum is scrubbed due to unfavorable winds. The vehicle and range remain healthy, and the team is working to determine a new launch window together with Andøya Spaceport. Isar Aerospace will announce the new launch window when available. Well done, team for today’s attempt.
11:03 GMT+1 ∙ 24 Mar, 2025
Isar Aerospace has successfully completed fueling of its launch vehicle Spectrum in preparation for the First Test Flight. Propellants Liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid propane (LPP) have been loaded into the vehicle, marking another crucial step on the countdown to the first test flight.
The teams of Isar Aerospace and Andøya Spaceport continue to check and prepare all systems for the test.
Follow our Newsroom for more updates as we approach the launch window.
06:03 GMT+1 ∙ 24 Mar, 2025
Isar Aerospace is approaching the first test flight of its launch vehicle Spectrum today. Mission ‘Going full Spectrum’ launch window opens from 12:30pm to 03.30pm CET, subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure.
As the day progresses, Isar Aerospace will provide more information and status updates. The first test flight from Andøya Spaceport marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, as it aims to collect valuable data and experience from this inaugural test flight.
Follow this Newsroom for more updates throughout the day.
11:03 GMT+1 ∙ 22 Mar, 2025
"Whatever the outcome, Isar Aerospace’s upcoming Spectrum launch will be historic: the first commercial orbital launch from mainland Europe. The support and co-funding the European Space Agency has given Isar Aerospace and other launch service provider startups is paying off for increased autonomy in Europe. Wishing Isar Aerospace a great launch day with fair weather and most importantly, that the data they receive from the liftoff will speed next iterations of their rockets."
07:03 GMT+1 ∙ 21 Mar, 2025
Satellite launch service company Isar Aerospace is approaching the first test flight of its launch vehicle Spectrum not earlier than Monday 24 March. The launch date remains subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure. The launch window is set from 12:30 pm CET to 03:30 pm CET.
Mission ‘Going full Spectrum’
The first test flight mission ‘Going full Spectrum’ will be the first flight of an orbital launch vehicle from continental Europe and launch from Andøya Spaceport, Norway. With this mission, Isar Aerospace aims to collect as much data and experience as possible on its in-house developed launch vehicle. It is the first integrated test of all systems.
Follow our Newsroom for more updates on the launch.
Photo Credit: Copyright Isar Aerospace | Photo: Robin Brillert, Wingmen Media
09:03 GMT+1 ∙ 20 Mar, 2025
Launch period for Isar Aerospace’s first test flight of launch vehicle Spectrum begins today. Subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure, the company is preparing to conduct the launch of Spectrum from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. The objective of this first test flight is to collect as much data and experience as possible.
Follow updates on the launch window here.
Photo Credit: Copyright Isar Aerospace | Photo: Robin Brillert, Wingmen Media
05:03 GMT+1 ∙ 17 Mar, 2025
Satellite launch service company Isar Aerospace receives its permit for first flight. On Friday, 14 March the company has been granted the Launch Operator License by the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for its first test flight from Andøya Spaceport. Subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure, the company is preparing to conduct the first test flight of its Spectrum launch vehicle under this permit, with a launch period beginning 20 March 2025.
Mission ‘Going Full Spectrum’: first flight of an orbital launch vehicle from continental Europe
Isar Aerospace’s first test flight will lift-off from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. With the mission ‘Going Full Spectrum’, Isar Aerospace will conduct the first flight of an orbital launch vehicle from continental Europe. The first test flight will not include any customer payloads.
“We are approaching the most important moment of our journey so far, and I would like to thank all our team, partners, customers and investors who have been accompanying and trusting us. In today's geopolitical climate, our first test flight is about much more than a rocket launch: Space is one of the most critical platforms for our security, resilience and technological advancement. In the next days, Isar Aerospace will lay the foundations to regain much needed independent and competitive access to space from Europe.”
Objective of first mission: collecting as much data and experience as possible
With the first test flight, Isar Aerospace aims to collect as much data and experience as possible. The company’s Spectrum launch vehicle was designed, developed and built almost entirely in-house. For Spectrum it is the first fully integrated test of all systems.
The test results will feed into the iterations and development of future Spectrum vehicles, which are being built and tested in parallel.
“Our goal is to test each and every component and system of the launch vehicle. No matter how far we come with this test flight, Mission ‘Going Full Spectrum’ will be a reason for our entire team to be very proud, a success for Isar Aerospace and our close partner Andøya Spaceport, and a huge step forward for European access to space.”
Launch site Andøya Spaceport
Andøya Spaceport is continental Europe’s first operational orbital launch site and was established to facilitate commercial and institutional satellite launches. The spaceport construction started in 2021. Isar Aerospace has exclusive access to Andøya Spaceport’s first launch pad, which the company has designed to its own specifications.
Isar Aerospace successfully completes Stage 1 nine-engine static fire test, the final technical milestone for first test flight
10:02 GMT+1 ∙ 21 Feb, 2025
On February 14, Isar Aerospace completed the pre-flight stage testing operations with a 30-second integrated nine-engine static fire test of Stage 1, resulting in the qualification of the launch vehicle for flight. Now the company is starting with the final preparations of the first test flight.
“I am extremely proud of our international team from over 50 nations. Reaching this milestone is a huge success in itself. And while Spectrum is ready for its first test flight, launch vehicles for flights two and three are already in production.”
Isar Aerospace has accepted its second stage in a hot fire test at the end of 2024
10:02 GMT+1 ∙ 14 Feb, 2025
The second stage of Isar Aerospace's launch vehicle 'Spectrum' is equipped with one 'Aquila' engine. In an integrated static fire test in Q4 2024 at Isar Aerospace's launch pad at Andøya Spaceport, all systems could be accepted for flight.
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