Isar Aerospace prepares for first test flight of Spectrum rocket
- Isar Aerospace completed a successful 30-second test-firing of its Spectrum rocket's first stage on February 14, 2025, at Andøya Spaceport.
- The company has raised over 400 million euros, more than any other European launch startup, highlighting its strong financial backing and in-house production capabilities.
- With the inaugural flight aiming for a polar orbit, Isar Aerospace awaits approval from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority to proceed with its test flight, demonstrating its readiness and ambition in the space industry.
In February 2025, Isar Aerospace, a German startup, announced it was nearing readiness for the first test flight of its Spectrum rocket following crucial milestones in its testing phase. The company successfully completed a 30-second test-firing of the rocket's first stage at Andøya Spaceport in Norway. This test, conducted on February 14, 2025, came after a similar test-firing of the second stage last year, which positions the company strategically to proceed with its inaugural launch. The Spectrum rocket, fully assembled, measures approximately 92 feet in height and 6 feet in diameter, designed to carry payloads weighing up to 1 metric ton into low-Earth orbit. Daniel Metzler, co-founder and CEO of Isar Aerospace, shared the importance of attaining a launch license, stating, 'We are almost ready for the test flight. All we need is the license.' This emphasis on regulatory approval underscores the critical path to achieving flight status, showcasing the intricate balance between innovation and compliance in the aerospace industry. Furthermore, Isar Aerospace has garnered significant financial backing, raising over 400 million euros, more than any other European launch startup. This financial prowess allows Isar to maintain advanced in-house production capabilities for their rockets, including the development of the Spectrum's Aquila engines. While preparations for the inaugural test flight are in full swing, plans for additional flights are already underway, demonstrating the company's ambition to become a key player in the European aerospace market. As the first flight aims for a polar orbit, Isar Aerospace prepares for a launch that will not carry any customer payloads due to its experimental nature. However, the company remains optimistic about its future missions, especially with the European Space Agency's European Launcher Challenge, which offers new opportunities for startups to launch agency satellites. As the company anxiously awaits its launch permit, the successful demonstration of the Spectrum's capabilities through its test flights will not only validate their technological advancements but also enhance confidence among potential future partners and customers.