Historic European rocket launch puts satellites into orbit

For the first time, a European company has launched a rocket from Europe and sent it into orbit, marking a major milestone for the continent’s space ambitions.

The unmanned Spectrum rocket placed five satellites into orbit around Earth on Saturday. The launch represents one of several steps in Europe’s effort to manage more of its space activity independently and close the gap with the American space market.

The mission also points to Europe’s attempt to reduce its reliance on the United States and American companies such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The successful launch gives that ambition a concrete achievement from European soil.