German rocket reaches space as Europe enters satellite launch race

A German startup has launched a rocket into space from Arctic Norway, bringing Europe closer to offering satellite launches from its own territory.

Isar Aerospace said its uncrewed Spectrum rocket lifted off from Andøya Spaceport carrying five small satellites and an in-flight technology experiment. The company described the mission as both the rocket’s qualification flight and its first launch carrying payloads. Officials continued to monitor the flight after the company declared the launch successful.

The mission was Isar’s second attempt. Its first rocket plunged to the ground and exploded shortly after liftoff from the same site in March 2025. No one was injured, and the company said the failed flight still generated substantial data for its developers.

Europe is seeking greater autonomy in satellite launches as countries including Sweden and Britain pursue roles in the expanding commercial space market. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Isar’s launch site in March, highlighting the effort. Isar co-founder and CEO Daniel Metzler said before the launch that access to space remained a major constraint for the space industry and national security.

The company said last week that it had secured about €200 million from the European Space Agency to develop new rockets and expand testing and launch infrastructure. Isar is also developing a second launch site in Canada. Its European rivals include Sweden’s Esrange site and Britain’s SaxaVord Spaceport, while global competitors include SpaceX and France’s ArianeGroup.

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Access to space remains one of the biggest constraints for the space industry and national security architecture.