Isar Aerospace Spectrum

What it is

Spectrum is a two-stage, liquid-fuelled launch vehicle developed by Isar Aerospace, a company based in Ottobrunn near Munich. It is designed to carry up to 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit and is aimed at the growing market for small and medium satellites. Spectrum launches from Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway.

How it works

Like other modern small launchers, Spectrum uses two stages: the first lifts the rocket through the dense lower atmosphere, after which it separates and falls away, and the second accelerates the payload to orbital velocity and releases the satellites. On its first flight on 30 March 2025 the rocket lifted off but lost attitude control about 30 seconds later and was terminated; investigators traced the cause to a vent valve that opened unexpectedly.

Why it stands out

Europe has long depended on a small number of large launchers and on foreign rockets for access to space. Spectrum is part of a wave of private launch companies that aim to give Europe independent, flexible and commercial access to orbit. Its second flight, on 5 September 2026, reached orbit and deployed its payloads of CubeSats and an experiment. It was described as the first successful orbital flight from northern Europe and the first by a commercial company launching from Europe, a milestone for German and European space ambitions.

Where you meet it

Spectrum is not something most people will see in person, but its launches from Andøya can be followed on livestreams. Its customers include universities, research institutions and companies that need to place satellites for Earth observation, communications or technology testing in orbit.