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Isar Aerospace Spectrum Rocket Suffers Launch Mishap in First Flight
ANDØYA SPACEPORT, Norway — Isar Aerospace experienced a setback on Thursday as the inaugural launch of its Spectrum rocket ended prematurely. The vehicle encountered an anomaly shortly after liftoff from the launch site in northern Norway, resulting in a rapid descent back to Earth, marking a rocket launch failure for the German company. This test flight was crucial for the burgeoning European space industry aiming to improve European access to space and develop small launch vehicles.
Launch Details and Timeline
The Spectrum rocket ascended from Andøya Spaceport at 6:30 a.m. Eastern time, following delays exceeding a week due to unfavorable weather conditions. A launch window, granted by Norwegian regulators on March 17 and valid from March 20 to March 31, had been secured for this initial attempt.
Initial Ascent and Anomaly
Ascending into clear skies, the rocket seemed to perform nominally in its initial phase. However, approximately 25 seconds post-liftoff, and shortly after the launch webcast announcer mentioned the planned pitchover maneuver for horizontal velocity gain, the vehicle appeared to lose attitude control.
Rapid Descent and Impact
Within a mere five seconds of the apparent anomaly, the Spectrum launch vehicle completely tilted over, commencing its descent. The live webcast feed diverted away from the rocket’s trajectory, but an audible explosion was captured on the broadcast roughly ten seconds later. Subsequent video footage from the Norwegian news outlet VG documented the rocket impacting the ground in proximity to the launch pad and detonating.
Mission Objectives: “Going Full Spectrum”
The mission, dubbed “Going Full Spectrum,” was designated as a test flight, carrying no operational payloads. In a pre-launch statement, Alexandre Dalloneau, Isar Aerospace’s VP of Mission and Launch Operations, stated that the primary objective was to rigorously evaluate every component and system of the launch vehicle.
Pre-launch Optimism
Dalloneau further remarked on the mission’s significance, emphasizing that regardless of the flight’s duration, “Going Full Spectrum” would represent a source of pride for the entire team, a success for Isar Aerospace and Andøya Spaceport, and a substantial advancement for European access to space.
CEO Reaction and Flight Data
Daniel Metzler, Isar Aerospace’s Chief Executive Officer, commented on the outcome via social media roughly an hour after the launch. “WHAT A FLIGHT!” Metzler posted, highlighting the achievement of a “clean liftoff, 30sec of flight,” and noting they “didn’t blow up the pad.” This suggests valuable data was gathered despite the rocket failure.
Spectrum Rocket Specifications
Spectrum is engineered as a two-stage small launch vehicle capable of deploying payloads of up to 1,000 kilograms into low Earth orbit (LEO) and 700 kilograms into sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). The first stage is powered by nine Aquila engines, utilizing liquid oxygen and liquid propane, while the upper stage employs a single vacuum-optimized Aquila engine.
Financial Backing and Future Vehicles
Isar Aerospace has secured over 400 million euros ($430 million) in funding to date, which includes an additional 65 million euros through an extension of a prior Series C funding round in June 2024. Company officials had previously indicated that the second and third Spectrum rockets are currently in production, signaling continued commitment despite this setback.
European Small Launcher Landscape
Based in Munich, Isar Aerospace is among several European firms actively engaged in developing small launch vehicles, none of which have yet achieved orbital flight. Rocket Factory Augsburg, another German company, also faced a setback when its RFA ONE rocket’s first stage was destroyed during a static-fire test in August 2024 at SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands. This highlights the challenges in the small satellite launch sector.
ESA Support and Industry Response
The Spectrum rocket failure occurs as the European Space Agency (ESA) has initiated a competition to bolster new European launch capabilities. On March 24, ESA launched the European Launcher Challenge, soliciting proposals from European companies who offer launch services or intend to upgrade existing launch systems. ESA plans to select a group of companies this summer and pursue funding commitments from member states at the ESA ministerial conference in November.
ESA Director General’s Statement
Josef Aschbacher, Director General of ESA, shared his reaction on social media shortly after the Spectrum launch failure. “Success to get off the pad, and lots of data already obtained. I am sure @isaraerospace will learn a lot,” Aschbacher posted, adding, “Rocket launch is hard. Never give up, move forward with even more energy!” This message underscores the inherent difficulties and the importance of perseverance in the space launch industry, particularly for new entrants like Isar Aerospace.