Edit 1: launch license confirmed Link
Edit 2: launch NET 24.03.25 Link: Senkrechtstarter
Edit 3: attempt scrubbed for today due to high winds Senkrechtstarter
Edit 4: new date 27.03.25 Link: Isar Aerospace
Edit 5: new date 28.03.25 Link: Isar Aerospace
Edit 6: a livestream will be available. Twitter/X
Edit 7: new date 29.03.25 Link Isar Aerospace
Edit 8: attempt scrubbed due to weather. New date 30.03.25 Link Isar Aerospace
Isar Aerospace is entering the small satellite launch market as a new contender.
The Spectrum rocket is capable of delivering payloads of up to 700 kg to Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).
Founded in 2018 in Munich, Germany, the company produces most of its components in-house, utilizing 3D printing and carbon composite materials, similar to Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket.
This launch marks a milestone as the first Western-European orbital rocket to lift off from Western Europe.
The Spectrum rocket features nine Aquila engines on its first stage and one on its second stage, powered by a unique combination of propane and liquid oxygen (LOX). The launch will take place at the Andøya Space Center in Norway.
Here’s a comparison of Spectrum with other small-lift launch vehicles:
| Rocket | Height [m] | Diameter [m] | Payload to SSO [kg] | Cost per Launch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | 28 | 2 | 700 | ~ $12 million |
| Firefly Alpha | 29 | 1.8 | 630 | ~ $15 - $18 million |
| Electron | 18 | 1.2 | 200 | ~ $8 million |
For more insights, Moritz Vieth from Senkrechtstarter provides detailed coverage (in German):
- A factory tour of Isar Aerospace: ISAR Aerospace Spectrum Rakete: Funktion, Fertigung und wo sie besser ist als das SpaceX Starship
- A look at the Aquila engine prototype: Raketentriebwerk: Mo am ISAR Aerospace Engine Demonstrator | Was ist was? Wofür ist es gut?
- An interview with founder and CEO Daniel Metzler: Deutsche Rakete: Isar Aerospace Interview mit Gründer und Raketen CEO Daniel Metzler
- An interview with Marco Stemer (VP Launch Vehicle): Isar Aerospace: technologisch schneller & besser entwickeln als der Oldspace, Interview Marco Stemer
Livestream
NASASpaceflight 'Going Full Spectrum' - Isar Aerospace's First Test Flight
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
Space News:
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com
TMRO: YouTube