Isar Aerospace Announces Launch Date Following Licensing Approval
Isar Aerospace has obtained a Launch Operator License from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority, enabling them to proceed with their inaugural test flight from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. This milestone signifies substantial progress for a private European company potentially achieving orbital launch capabilities for the first time.
The ability of Isar Aerospace to compete in the global launch market remains uncertain, particularly against established entities such as SpaceX and RocketLab. The company is concentrating on the European market, offering autonomous access to space beyond traditional providers like Ariane and Avio. Central to this initiative is Spectrum, a two-stage, liquid-fueled small satellite launcher capable of carrying up to 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO). Spectrum is designed to meet the increasing demand for dedicated small satellite launches, providing an alternative to rideshare missions on Falcon 9. Utilizing Aquila engines fueled by a mix of propane and liquid oxygen, Spectrum emphasizes efficiency, rapid production, and cost-effectiveness.
The "Going Full Spectrum" mission represents a pivotal moment in showcasing their capabilities. A successful launch would make Spectrum the first privately developed European rocket to reach orbit.
While Spectrum addresses a significant need within Europe, the global launch market continues to evolve. SpaceX's Transporter rideshare missions offer economical access to orbit, posing a challenge for smaller launchers to remain competitive on price. Rocket Lab has diversified beyond small payloads with the Electron rocket, expanding into spacecraft manufacturing, satellite buses, and developing the Neutron medium-lift rocket, suggesting that a broader strategy may be essential for long-term viability.
For Isar Aerospace, the initial launch is merely the start. Their future competitiveness will depend on their long-term strategy, which may include scaling up operations, diversifying into satellite services, or developing reusable technology. The forthcoming launch from Andøya will be closely monitored as Europe advances in the private launch sector. Spectrum's success could bridge the current gap in Europe's private launch capabilities.
Isar Aerospace is poised to conduct its first orbital launch attempt as early as March 20, following the acquisition of a license from Norwegian authorities. On March 17, Isar announced that the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) granted the company a launch operator license for its Spectrum rocket, slated for launch from Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway.
The launch, named "Going Full Spectrum," will serve as a test flight for Spectrum, with no customer payloads aboard. Alexandre Dalloneau, Vice President of Mission and Launch Operations at Isar Aerospace, indicated that the objective is to evaluate all components and systems of the launch vehicle.
Though Isar Aerospace did not provide a specific launch time, they noted that the timing is contingent upon weather conditions as well as range and vehicle readiness. Andøya Space indicated that maritime notices are in effect daily from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. local time for the launch window, which extends until the end of the month.
In February, Isar completed testing of the Spectrum rocket, including static-fire tests of both the first and second stages. The company stated that securing the license was the final step before attempting the launch.
According to CAA Norway, the launch permit issued to Isar Aerospace is the first granted by the agency and complies with procedures outlined in the Norwegian Space Act, using the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's Part 450 launch licensing regulations as a guideline. The permit is valid exclusively for Spectrum's initial launch. In August 2024, CAA Norway licensed the spaceport.
This launch will represent the first flight by Isar Aerospace and the first vertical orbital launch attempt from Europe, excluding Russia. While Virgin Orbit conducted an air launch from Spaceport Cornwall in the United Kingdom in January 2023, deploying its LauncherOne rocket from a Boeing 747 aircraft, a malfunction in the rocket's second stage prevented it from reaching orbit.
The upcoming launch attempt thus marks a significant milestone for both Isar Aerospace and the European space industry in their quest to enhance launch capabilities. Daniel Metzler, Chief Executive and Co-founder of Isar Aerospace, emphasized that the test flight encompasses more than a mere rocket launch, underscoring the importance of space for security, resilience, and technological advancement. He remarked that the launch would lay the groundwork for establishing independent and competitive access to space from Europe. Isar's first launch occurs during a shift in European strategic policy as the continent's leaders address the actions of President Donald Trump and indications of waning US support for European security. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, mentioned last month that Europe should aim to "achieve independence" from the United States. He stated, "It is clear that the Americans, at least this part of the Americans, this administration, are largely indifferent to the fate of Europe."