SpaceX Has a New European Rival, and It Just Hit Orbit on Its Second Try

TLDR

• Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket became the first private rocket to reach orbit from continental Europe, launching from Arctic Norway
• This was Isar’s second attempt after its first rocket crashed 30 seconds after liftoff last year
• The rocket carried five small satellites and an in-flight technology experiment
• Isar has raised €270 million and signed a €200 million contract with the European Space Agency
• Defense customers now make up about 60% of Isar’s orders, with missions already booked through 2028

Germany-based Isar Aerospace launched its Spectrum rocket into orbit on Saturday from Andøya Spaceport in Arctic Norway. It was the first private commercial rocket to reach orbit from continental Europe.

We made history. On just our second flight, we became the first commercial space company from Europe to deliver satellites into orbit. Mission 'Onward and Upward' successfully lifted off and deployed payloads into orbit. A new chapter for European spaceflight. More:… pic.twitter.com/AWvqG2l8Mn

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