German rocket reaches orbit
It is a major step forward for Europe’s space industry: a start-up founded only in 2018 has successfully launched a rocket into space on its second test flight.
Andøya (dpa) – German space company Isar Aerospace successfully placed five satellites into Earth orbit on the second test flight of its Spectrum launch vehicle. The rocket lifted off from the Norwegian Andøya Spaceport at 10.12 pm on Saturday, as shown in a livestream. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre offered their congratulations. “This is the first time a flight from the European continent has successfully reached Earth orbit,” Chancellor Merz said during the night. In a press release, the company itself described the successful flight as a “turning point for Europe”.
Once the Spectrum enters series production, it will be used to place civilian and military satellites into low Earth orbit. The company plans to produce 40 rockets a year. Isar Aerospace plans further launches in Norway this year and next. From early 2028, Spectrum rockets are also due to lift off from a planned second launch site in Canada. According to Isar Aerospace mission director Alexandre Dalloneau, launches from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana are also under consideration.
