Isar Aerospace вывела ракетоноситель Spectrum на орбиту из Норвегии — первая частная ракета из Европы

On 5 September at 23:12 Moscow time the 28‑meter Spectrum rocket lifted off from Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway. This launch marked the first time a privately built launch vehicle, launched from continental Europe, reached orbit. The event was closely watched by European space agencies and industry observers.

The flight was part of the “Onward and Upward” mission, carrying six small satellites: five commercial and educational cubesats and a scientific technology‑demonstration module. Several of the cubesats were built by students of European universities, giving them a rare opportunity to operate in space. All payloads were successfully deployed into a low‑Earth orbit.

Spectrum is a two‑stage, light‑class launch vehicle standing 28 m tall, capable of delivering up to 1 000 kg to low‑Earth orbit. Its design emphasizes rapid, low‑cost access for both commercial and governmental customers. Isar Aerospace operates a production line near Munich that can output up to forty rockets per year, aiming to scale European launch capacity.

The successful launch follows a setback in March 2025, when the company’s maiden flight ended in a crash 45 seconds after liftoff due to an unintended vent‑valve opening and loss of attitude control during a roll maneuver. The post‑flight investigation prompted redesigns of the valve system and updated flight software, which were incorporated into the Spectrum that flew in September.

Europe has long relied on launch services from the United States, Russia and China. The Spectrum success demonstrates that a private European player can now provide independent access to space, potentially reducing dependence on foreign providers and fostering a new wave of satellite projects across the continent. Isar Aerospace plans further missions later this year and aims to increase launch cadence as its production line ramps up.