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German Firm Eyes New Window for Europe’s First Commercial Orbital Launch

Isar Aerospace plans to send off its two-stage-to-orbit Spectrum rocket from Andøya Spaceport in Norway.

Isar Aerospace Spectrum rocket orbital launch vehicle
Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum is expected to be the first commercial orbital launch vehicle to lift off from mainland Europe, departing from Norway’s Andøya Spaceport. [Courtesy: Isar Aerospace]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Isar Aerospace, a German company, is set to attempt the first commercial orbital launch from mainland Europe with its Spectrum rocket, rescheduled for Saturday after a weather delay.
  • The launch marks a significant stride toward European strategic autonomy and independence in the commercial space industry, supported by initiatives from the European Space Agency (ESA).
  • Isar's Spectrum aims to capture a share of the small and medium satellite launch market, with its initial flight focused on data collection and a "Launch. Learn. Repeat." development approach.
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Updated March 27 at 1:10 p.m. EDT: Isar Aerospace has shifted the launch window for Spectrum to Saturday.

After a scrubbed test flight on Monday, a German spaceflight company has determined its next opportunity to launch the first commercial orbital launch vehicle from mainland Europe.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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