Germany’s Isar rocket reaches orbit after launching from Arctic Norway

Germany’s Isar Aerospace has reached orbit from Arctic Norway, a breakthrough for Europe’s private launch industry after a long series of delays and a failed first mission. The company’s 28-metre, two-stage Spectrum rocket lifted off from Andøya, north of the Arctic Circle.

“We’re in orbit! And just made European history: This is the first time a privately developed rocket reached orbit from continental Europe,” Isar said on X. About 10 minutes into the mission, named “Onward and Upward,” the video feed cut out after the rocket exceeded the maximum range for the connection.

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We’re in orbit! And just made European history: This is the first time a privately developed rocket reached orbit from continental Europe.

The mission followed Isar’s first launch 18 months earlier, when its rocket plunged into the sea and exploded shortly after take-off from the same site. The latest launch came after months of delays linked to technical or safety issues.

Norwegian Trade and Industry Minister Cecilie Myrseth called the launch a breakthrough that would improve Europe’s access to space. “The fact that we can now launch satellites from Andoeya strengthens Norwegian and European security in the turbulent times we live in,” she said.

Once ready for serial production, Spectrum will carry civilian and military satellites into low-Earth orbit. The rocket can transport about one tonne of payload, while Isar says its plant near Munich will eventually produce more than 30 rockets a year.

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The fact that we can now launch satellites from Andoeya strengthens Norwegian and European security in the turbulent times we live in.

Europe is looking to competition among Isar and other companies to lower launch costs, following the model established by SpaceX in the United States. Germany is also expanding its space capacity. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has announced a €35 billion drive through 2030, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz has argued that Europe needs greater independence after relying too long on other countries and delivery systems.

“We need capacity. We need independence,” Merz said in March while visiting Andøya with Norway’s prime minister. He later said space was crucial to security and becoming an increasingly important part of the economy.

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We need capacity. We need independence.