Isar Aerospace, a Munich-based startup formed from the Technical University of Munich, has carried out the maiden test flight of its Spectrum launch vehicle from Norway’s Andøya Spaceport. The flight, which lasted approximately 30 seconds, marks a milestone for the company in its goal to provide small and medium satellite launch services. The rocket, following stage-one ignition, was intentionally terminated and fell into the sea in a controlled manner, while the launch pad remained undamaged. With this flight, Isar Aerospace moves forward in a competitive industry where European firms seek greater access to orbital space independently of foreign providers.
Isar Aerospace previously announced plans to become a leading European satellite launch company. Initial projections suggested its first orbital flight attempt could happen by 2022. Delays and technical hurdles shifted timelines, but the company’s ability to stage a successful launch sequence, even for 30 seconds, represents progress. Compared to earlier forecasts, the current trajectory indicates slower execution but consistent development of infrastructure and partnerships to strengthen its position in the European space market.
What happened during the Spectrum rocket’s first launch?
The Spectrum rocket lifted off at 12:30 PM CEST and was airborne for half a minute before its flight was deliberately concluded. The vehicle plunged into the sea in a controlled descent, a necessary step to ensure safety and to gather data for improvements. Isar Aerospace will analyze telemetry and onboard performance to determine how to refine the next iterations of its vehicle.
CEO Daniel Metzler expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the flight, stating,
“Our first test flight met all our expectations, achieving 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 design and build and launch rockets.”
What are the next steps for Isar Aerospace?
The company is constructing the second and third Spectrum vehicles using in-house production methods to maintain flexibility and reduce costs. Its new facility near Munich has the capacity to manufacture up to 40 launch vehicles annually. Isar Aerospace intends to steadily increase launch cadence while applying lessons learned from each mission.
Chairman Bulent Altan, who previously worked at SpaceX, commented on the team’s performance, saying,
“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.”
He added,
“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.”
Isar Aerospace recently secured a contract with the Norwegian Space Agency to launch satellites for the country’s Arctic Ocean Surveillance program. The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority granted a Launch Operator License, making it the first civil aviation body in Europe to authorize an orbital test flight from the continent. Metzler remarked,
“Takk, Norge, Andøya Spaceport, and the Andøya community for being our trusted partners on this journey.”
Founded in 2018, Isar Aerospace focuses on launching payloads up to 1,000 kg. Its two-stage Spectrum rocket is designed to serve satellite constellations, with the aim of offering cost-efficient and reliable launch services. The company has raised over €400 million from investors including Unternehmertum Venture Capital Partners. Altan emphasized the strategic potential of their production scale, stating,
“Isar Aerospace has not only built a rocket, but an entire rocket production system.”
While Isar Aerospace has yet to reach orbit, the structured approach to rocket development, in-house manufacturing, and partnerships with national agencies position the company to address Europe’s need for independent orbital access. The controlled test flight offers valuable technical insights, which could accelerate readiness for commercial operations. For satellite operators seeking flexible launch options, particularly in Europe, Isar Aerospace may become a viable alternative to U.S. and Chinese providers. As competition increases, continued technical execution and regulatory support will be critical for the company’s next phases.
