Spectrum Rocket Set for Debut Launch from European Spaceport
Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket on the launchpad at Andøya Spaceport, Norway. | Credit: Isar Aerospace
The inaugural launch of the first orbital rocket from continental Europe is imminent.
Isar Aerospace, a German space company, is aiming for no earlier than Monday, March 24, for the initial flight of its new Spectrum rocket. The launch is scheduled from Andøya Spaceport in Norway, within a three-hour window on Monday, between 7:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (1130 GMT) and 10:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (1430 GMT).
Focus on Data Acquisition for Maiden Flight
For this crucial first test flight of Spectrum, Isar Aerospace has chosen not to include any commercial payloads. Instead, the mission is focused on gathering extensive flight data, as stated on the company’s website. This launch will also mark the first operation from Andøya Spaceport in Europe. The spaceport, inaugurated in 2023, was developed with infrastructure specifically tailored to accommodate Isar Aerospace and the Spectrum launch vehicle.
Spectrum Rocket Specifications
Spectrum stands at a height of 95 feet (28 meters), positioning it as a medium-class rocket, sized between Rocket Lab’s Electron (56 feet/17 meters) and SpaceX’s Falcon 9 (230 feet/70 meters). Isar Aerospace promotes Spectrum as a small to medium-lift launch vehicle designed to carry payloads of up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) to low-Earth orbit once operational.
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In-house Development and Engine Technology
The two-stage Spectrum rocket is the result of seven years of in-house design and engineering at Isar Aerospace. The launch system incorporates nine liquid oxygen/propane turbopump engines powering the first stage booster. The upper stage features a single Aquila engine, capable of multiple ignitions for precise orbital insertions and in-space maneuvers.
Commercial Contracts Secured
Prior to its initial test launch, Isar Aerospace has already secured a contract for Spectrum’s first commercial missions. On March 12, the company announced an agreement with the Norwegian Space Agency to launch satellites for the Arctic Ocean Surveillance (AOS) program by 2028.
Norwegian Space Agency Endorsement
“The launch of the AOS satellites from Andøya Spaceport will represent a significant milestone for Norwegian space activities. We anticipate a strong partnership with Isar Aerospace and are eager to witness ‘Spectrum’ in operation,” stated Christian Hauglie-Hanssen, Director General of the Norwegian Space Agency, in a press release from Isar.
Launch profile of Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket. | Credit: Isar Aerospace
Realistic Expectations for Test Flight
“Subject to suitable weather conditions, safety protocols, and range infrastructure readiness, the initial launch window for Spectrum’s first test flight will commence NET 24 Mar,” Isar Aerospace announced via social media on Friday, March 21.
Achieving orbit on a maiden flight is uncommon, and Isar Aerospace appears to be managing expectations for Spectrum’s initial test. The company has outlined six mission milestones from liftoff to orbit, but emphasized that the primary objective of this launch is to maximize data collection.