Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket reaches orbit from Norway, deploying five satellites

German launch firm Isar Aerospace launched its two‑stage Spectrum rocket from the Andøya Spaceport in Arctic Norway, sending five miniature satellites and an in‑flight experiment into orbit. The flight follows a brief test earlier in the year that ended after about half a minute due to a valve issue and loss of attitude control, which the company says has been corrected. The launch window opened on Friday and extended for several days, with Norwegian officials indicating that the timing would not interfere with national events. The mission is part of broader European efforts to develop independent launch capabilities, backed by ESA funding.