Isar Aerospace readies second Spectrum launch from Norway amid European space push

Isar Aerospace is set to conduct the second flight of its Spectrum microlauncher from the Andøya launch site in northern Norway, with a launch window opening on Friday and extending for several days. The 28-metre vehicle, equipped with two stages and ten engines, will carry five CubeSats and a research experiment, marking its first mission with operational payloads. The company’s earlier short test flight ended after about half a minute when a valve opened unintentionally and the rocket lost orientation, prompting corrective measures.

Subsequent attempts earlier this year were delayed by a valve fault, adverse weather, an intrusion by a vessel, and other technical problems. Backed by ESA’s Boost! programme, the launch is viewed as a strategic step for Europe to reduce reliance on non-European launch providers. Success will be needed before the firm can scale production and consider additional launch sites.