First orbital rocket launch from continental Europe scheduled for tomorrow
What's the story
Germany-based space technology company Isar Aerospace is gearing up for the maiden flight of its Spectrum rocket tomorrow.
The launch will occur at Andøya Spaceport in Norway during a three-hour window between 7:30am EST (5:00pm IST) and 10:30am EST (8:00pm IST).
It will be a historic milestone as it will mark the first orbital rocket launch from continental Europe.
Specifications
New contender in space launches
Standing 28m tall, the two-stage Spectrum rocket sits between Rocket Lab's Electron and SpaceX's Falcon 9.
It is envisioned as a small to medium-lift launch vehicle with a remarkable capability to deliver up to 998kg payloads into low-Earth orbit.
The development of this groundbreaking launch vehicle has been done entirely in-house by Isar Aerospace over the last seven years.
Twitter Post
Take a look at the official post
Subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure, the first launch window for Spectrum’s first test flight opens NET 24 Mar.
— Isar Aerospace (@isaraerospace) March 21,
Follow our newsroomfor more info https://t.co/aWgKTNUJzE#fromisartospace#goingfullspectrum | Robin Brillert, Wingmen
Photo: © Isar AerospaceMedia pic.twitter.com/AovKRUHdlY 2025
Information
Spectrum rocket: A technical marvel
The Spectrum rocket has nine turbopump liquid oxygen/propane-fueled engines powering its main booster. Once in space, a single Aquila multi-ignition engine takes over for orbital insertions and maneuvers. This advanced tech highlights Isar Aerospace's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
Contracts secured
Isar Aerospace secures future launch contracts
Even before Spectrum's inaugural test flight, Isar Aerospace has already bagged its first commercial launch contract.
On March 12, the company inked a deal with the Norwegian Space Agency to launch satellites for the Arctic Ocean Surveillance (AOS) program by 2028.
Norwegian Space Agency's Director General Christian Hauglie-Hanssen confirmed this partnership, saying they were excited about their collaboration and looking forward to seeing Spectrum in action.