Isar Space Are Close To First Test Launch – When Will The Spectrum Rocket Reach Orbit?

German space company, Isar Aerospace, has recently ticked all the testing boxes after successfully static-firing their Spectrum rocket’s first stage. Using a launch pad located at Andoya Spaceport on the Norwegian island of Andøya, the rocket’s first stage was fired for half a minute, qualifying the rocket for its inaugural test flight. And now, the company is waiting on final approval from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority before Spectrum can reach its final testing milestone. 

Reflecting on the outcome of the stage firing, Daniel Metzler, Isar Aerospace CEO & Co-Founder, said: “We are almost ready for the test flight. All we need is the license. By enabling space access from mainland Europe, we provide a critical resource for ensuring sovereignty and resilience. I am extremely proud of our international team from over 50 nations. Reaching this milestone is a huge success in itself. And while Spectrum is ready for its first test flight, launch vehicles for flights two and three are already in production.”  

Test Firing Spectrum’s Two Stages

In the blink of an eye, Spectrum was qualified for test flight. But before we get ahead of ourselves, here’s what happened during Spectrum’s stage firing. Before now, the rocket’s second stage underwent testing in Q3, 2024 and was successfully qualified for flight. Hopes then lay on qualifying stage one for the all important test launch. 

For 30-seconds, Isar ignited Spectrum’s nine-engine stage 1 to test its ability and functionality. The static-firing went off without a hitch, qualifying the rocket for a full-scale test launch. Hopes are to complete the test launch in the coming months, with Isar currently waiting on a license. 

Isar’s CTO, Josef Fleischmann, said: “Regardless of how far we get, this first test flight will hopefully generate an enormous amount of data and experience which we can apply to future missions.”

Bringing Isar’s First Rocket To Life: Spectrum

Being a satellite launch provider, Isar Space has been busily working to achieve their first rocket design. Backed by more than €400 million and across 5 countries, Isar is aiming to shake up the space industry and act as a disrupter. However, they won’t be disrupting much without a launch vehicle. This is where Spectrum will play a significant role in the organisation’s strategy. 

“Owning the entire value chain of ‘Spectrum’ gives us maximum flexibility and independence. We develop, build, and test almost the entire launch vehicle in-house, including our ‘Aquila’ engines. The flight will be the first integrated test of tens of thousands of components,” Fleischmann added.  

Spectrum’s First Test Launch On The Horizon – Should They Receive A License, That Is

The two stage, 28-metre, launch vehicle, will have ranging capabilities. Once operational, Spectrum will have the ability to deliver 1,000 kg of payload to Low Earth Orbit. Similarly, for Sun Synchronous Orbit, Spectrum will be able to transport 700 kg. 

And now that Spectrum has passed all pre-qualifying testing rounds, bar the final test flight, Isar’s rocket is set to be the first continental European orbital launch vehicle – Isar said. Such testing included payload fairing, acceptance testing of the company’s “in-house developed” engines, and firing the aforementioned stages.  

Isar said: “the test flight will be conducted from Isar Aerospace’s exclusive launch site at Andøya Spaceport in Norway.” As such, it seems that all systems are go for the rocket developers. However, Spectrum’s test launch is now in the hands of Norway’s CAA, with the final obstacle being that all important launch license. Once granted, Isar said they will unveil Spectrum’s launch period.