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Isar Aerospace Completes Testing of First Spectrum Rocket
Author: Jeff Foust
Date: February 21, 2025
Isar Aerospace performed a static-fire test of the first stage of its Spectrum rocket on February 14.
German launch vehicle company Isar Aerospace has completed tests of its first Spectrum rocket and is poised for its inaugural launch, pending a licensing approval from the relevant authorities.
The company announced its progress on February 21, stating that a successful static-fire test of the first stage of Spectrum was executed a week earlier, during which all nine engines were ignited for a full thirty seconds. This follows a similar evaluation of the rocket’s upper stage, conducted in the third quarter of the previous year. According to Daniel Metzler, the chief executive and co-founder, the technical capabilities of the rocket are confirmed: “We are almost ready for the test flight. All we need now is the license.”
Launch Plans and Licenses
Isar Aerospace intends to launch the Spectrum rocket from Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway. The launch is anticipated to occur “as soon as possible” after receiving a launch license from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority. While the exact timeline for license approval remains undisclosed, the launch schedule will be finalized based on the licensing process.
Specifications and Capabilities of Spectrum
Spectrum is designed to deliver payloads of up to 1,000 kilograms into low Earth orbit and 700 kilograms into sun-synchronous orbit. This vehicle is part of a new generation of launch systems being developed by European startups, though it is worth noting that none of these systems has yet reached orbit.
| Launch Vehicle | Payload to LEO | Payload to SSO | Operational Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | 1,000 kg | 700 kg | Testing phase |
| Other European Vehicles | N/A | N/A | Not yet in orbit |
The anticipated launch of Spectrum has experienced delays. Stella Guillen, chief commercial officer of Isar, expressed during a panel discussion at the Smallsat Symposium on February 4 that, “We wanted to launch a few months back but we needed to test, and we will continue to test until we feel that we can proceed with a launch.”
Future Readiness and Infrastructure Development
In addition to the array of testing conducted on the Spectrum rocket, Isar Aerospace has been focused on developing the necessary infrastructure for rocket production and testing. Established in late 2018, the company has made significant strides in its manufacturing capability. Their current factory can produce between six and eight rockets annually, with plans to transition to a more extensive facility capable of producing 30 to 40 rockets each year.
Guillen reiterated the company’s emphasis on operational cadence: “Launching is not easy and we are testing and testing because we are also getting ready for cadence. It’s not just we’re launching one time and we’re waiting to see what happens.”
Follow-Up Tests and Launches
As of now, Isar has two additional Spectrum rockets in production slated for delivery post the inaugural launch. Metzler remarks, “The flight will be the first integrated test of tens of thousands of components. 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.”
Isar Aerospace performed a static-fire test of the first stage of its Spectrum rocket on February 14.
Conclusion
The technical achievements of Isar Aerospace mark a significant step forward in Europe’s launch capabilities. As they prepare for their maiden flight, the company embodies a commitment to thorough testing and infrastructure development aimed at ensuring the reliability and success of their future launch initiatives.
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