Successful Launch of Isar Aerospace's Rocket Over Isar River
Isar Aerospace's Maiden Flight Ends in Abort, but CEO Hails Mission as Great Success
Andøya/Ottobrunn—Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket embarked on its inaugural flight on Sunday, lasting approximately 30 seconds before an abort, the company announced. CEO and co-founder Daniel Metzler described the mission as a "great success."
The flight was broadcast live online and had been delayed several times due to unfavorable weather conditions. The launch took place at 12:30 PM from the Norwegian spaceport in Andøya.
Metzler stated that the test flight met all expectations, with a clean launch, 30 seconds of flight time, and validation of the flight termination system. The goal of the test flight, according to Isar Aerospace, was to collect as much data and gain as much experience as possible.
Despite the aborted takeoff, Metzler expressed pride in his team, who have worked diligently for seven years to reach this milestone. The data will now be analyzed. Work is already underway on two more rockets, with Isar Aerospace preparing for the next launch.
While reaching orbit was not expected, as no company has yet achieved this with its first rocket, a spokesperson noted that the rocket was allowed to explode, as it was within the scope of the test flight. "Thirty seconds would already be a great success," the spokesperson said.
German Minister of Economic Affairs, Robert Habeck (Greens), stated that Germany has proved itself to be an important location for space technology development with the launch of the Spectrum rocket. He described it as a milestone for competitiveness in the space industry, stressing that unimpeded access to space is strategically crucial.
Satellites enable navigation, communication, and Earth observation, contribute to climate protection, and strengthen Germany's economic and technological sovereignty. It is essential for Europe to secure its sovereignty in space, especially in light of the increasing prominence of Elon Musk's Starlink.
Marie-Christine von Hahn, CEO of the Federal Association of the German Aerospace Industry, described the mission as a pioneering step for German aerospace. She emphasized that this test of a highly complex, German-made rocket had provided an enormous amount of data that would enable further progress in the field. To remain competitive and independent, significant budgets are needed for space travel, she said.
The Spectrum rocket is 28 meters long and has a diameter of 2 meters. Depending on the orbit it targets, its commercial payload capacity ranges from 700 to 1,000 kilograms, making it a significant contributor to the broader European space industry's goal of establishing a robust and independent launch capability.
The launch from Norway was reportedly a double premiere: not only the first flight for Isar Aerospace, but also the first launch of an orbital carrier rocket in continental Europe. Europe's efforts to develop and launch orbital carrier rockets are crucial for enhancing European space capabilities, reducing dependence on non-European providers, and contributing to the global space industry's growth. Despite the setback, Isar Aerospace and other European companies continue to innovate and push forward with their launch vehicle programs, aiming to achieve successful launches in the future.
Stay informed with our free 95.5 our website-newsletter, delivering highlights, top concerts, exclusive contests, and insights into Larissa Lannert live directly to your inbox every week. Sign up for the newsletter here.
The Spectrum rocket's test flight, despite ending in an abort, was hailed as a great success by Isar Aerospace's CEO, Daniel Metzler, as it met all expectations and provided valuable data for future improvements in the space-and-astronomy field, thanks to technology advancements. Germany's space industry, with the launch of the Spectrum rocket, has proven to be an essential location for space technology development, contributing to Germany's sovereignty in areas like navigation, communication, and climate protection, thanks to satellites.
