German rocket launches into space from Norway

A German startup's rocket launched into space from northern Norway on Saturday, in what the company described as a historic achievement. Isar Aerospace's unmanned Spectrum rocket lifted off from Andøya Spaceport on the island of Andøya in Nordland county.

The company said the rocket successfully carried satellites into orbit. Its payload included five small satellites and a technology experiment conducted during the flight. Isar said it was still assessing the satellites' condition.

The launch was the company's second. Its first attempt, in March 2025, ended when the rocket plunged into the sea and exploded soon after takeoff. No one was injured. Isar nevertheless called that flight a success because it produced substantial data for the rocket's development.

The Norwegian government described Saturday's launch as a breakthrough for Norway's and Europe's space activities. Isar said new Spectrum launch vehicles were already in production, while several European countries have signaled interest in the growing space-launch market.