Isar Aerospace, a German startup, is set to become the first European company to achieve an orbital launch with a privately funded rocket. The company recently completed a critical 30-second test-firing of its Spectrum rocket’s first stage at Andøya Spaceport in Norway on February 14, 2025.
This milestone follows a successful test-firing of the rocket’s second stage last year. With both stages now tested, Isar Aerospace is preparing for its inaugural flight, pending regulatory approval from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.
Rocket Specifications
The Spectrum rocket will stand approximately 92 feet (28 meters) tall and measure over 6 feet (2 meters) in diameter. Designed to carry payloads up to 1 metric ton (2,200 pounds) into low-Earth orbit, the rocket utilizes nine Aquila engines on its first stage and one on its second stage, fueled by a mix of propane and liquid oxygen.
Company Background
Founded in 2018 near Munich, Isar Aerospace has raised over 400 million euros (around $420 million) in funding, making it the most well-funded European launch startup. The company builds nearly all components in-house, including its rocket engines.
Future Prospects
The first flight of the Spectrum rocket will aim for a polar orbit and will not carry any customer payloads, as it is a test flight. Isar Aerospace is also competing for funding from the European Space Agency through the European Launcher Challenge, which aims to support new entrants in the European launch market.
The upcoming launch will mark a significant step for Isar Aerospace and the European space industry, which has been seeking alternatives to established providers amid delays and failures in current launch systems.
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