German Start-Up to Conduct Test Flight of Spectrum Rocket from Norway’s Andoya Spaceport

Norway's Andoya Spaceport is set to host a significant milestone for Europe’s space ambitions as a German start-up prepares for a test flight of its Spectrum rocket on Monday. This event marks the first test of an orbital launch vehicle from the European continent, excluding Russia, as Europe seeks to maintain robust access to space.

The launch is scheduled to occur between 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm local time (11:30 am to 2:30 pm GMT). The Spectrum rocket, measuring 28 meters (92 feet) high and 2 meters in diameter, boasts a payload capacity of one tonne, although this inaugural flight will carry no cargo and is not expected to achieve orbit.

“Every second we fly is good because we collect data and experience. Thirty seconds would already be a great success,” said Daniel Metzler, co-founder and CEO of Isar Aerospace, the company responsible for building the rocket. He emphasized that the primary goal of the test flight is to gather valuable data, rather than to reach orbital altitude. “We do not expect to reach orbit with this test. In fact, no company has yet managed to put its first orbital launch vehicle into orbit," he noted.

Metzler referenced the experiences of US company SpaceX, which required four attempts to successfully launch its first orbital vehicle. “We want to be faster,” he added in correspondence with AFP.

The Importance of Space for Europe’s Future

The urgency for Europe to solidify its space capabilities has been amplified by geopolitical events, particularly the cessation of access to Russian space stations and launchers following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This disruption has prompted Europe's space industry to seek alternative solutions, particularly as the Ariane 6 rocket faces delays and the European Vega-C satellite launcher was suspended after an accident.

Europe regained some independence in space access with the commercial flight of an Ariane 6 rocket on March 6 from Kourou in French Guiana, marking the first such capability after months of reliance on other nations for launches.

Emergence of Small Launch Vehicles

The emergence of more affordable small launch vehicles, like Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum, represents a promising development in the industry, particularly for placing miniature satellites into orbit. These smaller satellites are increasingly utilized for applications such as Earth observation and internet coverage.

“The rise of these new actors and new European launch services is part of a common objective: to guarantee independent and sovereign access to space. Their role is expected to strengthen in the coming years,” commented Toni Tolker-Nielsen, director of Space Transportation at the European Space Agency (ESA).

As Europe aims to compete with established US companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, other players are stepping up to participate in the space race. Isar Aerospace is joined by Germany's HyImpulse and Rocket Factory Augsburg, France's Latitude and MaiaSpace, and Spain’s PLD Space, all vying to cement their roles in the burgeoning sector.

Future Prospects for Space Launch in Europe

Numerous spaceport projects are currently in development across Europe, including locations in the Portuguese Azores, British Shetland Islands, and various sites within Norway and Sweden, each hoping to capture a share of the growing launch market. Despite setbacks, including Virgin Orbit's halted operations following a failed launch attempt in Britain, the momentum continues to build for private space endeavors.

Isar Aerospace's upcoming launch with the Spectrum is particularly notable as it represents the first vertical launch of an orbital vehicle entirely under private responsibility in Europe. This ambitious project highlights the capabilities of the Munich-based start-up, which claims to have developed its two-stage rocket primarily in-house. The company has already secured a contract with the Norwegian space agency to launch two maritime surveillance satellites by 2028. The Andoya Spaceport, touted as "the first operational spaceport in continental Europe," emphasizes its Arctic location as ideal for launching polar and sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) satellites, positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s space future.

As the Spectrum prepares for its test flight, the outcome, regardless of the result, will signify a pivotal step forward for Europe’s independent launch capabilities.