AllYouCanTech

German startup poised to execute inaugural orbital launch from Western Europe

# **Isar Aerospace Approaches Pivotal Test Flight of Spectrum Rocket**

Isar Aerospace, a German startup established in 2018, is on the brink of becoming the first in a new wave of European private space firms to achieve orbital flight. The company has recently marked a significant achievement by successfully conducting a test-firing of the first stage of its **Spectrum** rocket at **Andøya Spaceport** in Norway. Now, the only barrier left for Isar to achieve its inaugural flight is receiving regulatory approval.

## **A Significant Advancement for European Spaceflight**

The successful **30-second test-firing** of Spectrum’s first stage occurred on **February 14, 2025**. This follows a corresponding test of the rocket’s second stage conducted last year. With both stages now verified for flight, Isar Aerospace is closer than ever to initiating its first privately funded orbital launch from mainland Europe.

>”We are nearly set for the test flight. The only thing we require is the license,”
— **Daniel Metzler, CEO and co-founder of Isar Aerospace**

The final obstacle prior to launch is obtaining approval from the **Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority**. Once the essential permits are issued, Isar aims to launch **as quickly as possible**.

## **The Spectrum Rocket: A Fresh Competitor in the Space Race**

The **Spectrum** rocket is engineered to transport **up to 1 metric ton (2,200 pounds) into low-Earth orbit**. It stands at **28 meters (92 feet) tall** and has a diameter of **2 meters (6 feet)**. The rocket operates using **nine Aquila engines** on its first stage and a solitary Aquila engine on its second stage, employing **propane and liquid oxygen** as fuels.

In contrast to many other launch providers, **Isar Aerospace manufactures nearly all of its rocket components internally**, including the **Aquila engines**. This strategy enables the company to sustain control over quality and expenses while expediting the development process.

## **A Dash to the Finish Line**

Isar Aerospace is based near **Munich, Germany**, a center for the European space sector. The company was founded by **Daniel Metzler, Josef Fleischmann, and Markus Brandl**, three engineering alumni from **Technical University Munich**. Since its founding, Isar has accumulated **over €400 million ($420 million)**, establishing itself as the most capitalized European launch startup. Alongside venture capital, the company obtained an investment from the **NATO Innovation Fund** in 2023.

While Isar Aerospace is at the forefront, it faces rivalry from other European startups. **Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA)**, another German enterprise, was once seen as a leading contender but encountered a significant setback when its initial booster was destroyed during a test-firing in Scotland. Nevertheless, RFA has recently secured a launch license from the UK government and is gearing up for a new test flight later this year.

## **The Future of European Launch Solutions**

Europe has traditionally depended on **Arianespace**, a government-backed launch service provider, for space access. However, setbacks in the development of the **Ariane 6** rocket and failures of the **Vega** launcher have compelled European satellite operators to explore alternatives, primarily **SpaceX**.

To stimulate competition, the **European Space Agency (ESA)** has initiated the **European Launcher Challenge**, a program aimed at distributing funding and satellite launch contracts to emerging private space firms. Isar Aerospace stands as a strong competitor in this initiative.

## **What’s Ahead for Isar Aerospace?**

The inaugural flight of the **Spectrum** rocket aims for a **polar orbit**, launching northward from **Andøya Spaceport**—the world’s northernmost orbital launch site. As this is a **test flight**, the rocket will not be carrying any customer payloads.

Regardless of the result, the launch will yield **valuable data and insights** for subsequent missions. According to **Josef Fleischmann, Isar’s Chief Technical Officer**, the company is already progressing on **rockets for its second and third flights**.

>”Regardless of how far we advance, this first test flight will produce a vast amount of data and experience which we can utilize for future missions.”
— **Josef Fleischmann, CTO and co-founder of Isar Aerospace**

With its inaugural launch looming, Isar Aerospace is set to make history as **Europe’s first private orbital launch provider**. If successful, it could signify the dawn of a new chapter in European spaceflight—one propelled by private innovation and rivalry.

### **Stay tuned for updates as Isar Aerospace gears up for its landmark launch!** 🚀

Robot featuring 1,000 Synthetic Muscles Imitates Human Actions While Hanging from Ceiling

# Clone Robotics Introduces Protoclone: A Humanoid Robot with Fluid-Infused Muscles

In a pivotal advancement towards the future of humanoid robotics, **Clone Robotics** has introduced its latest prototype, **Protoclone**. This comprehensive humanoid robot replicates human movement through **fluid-infused artificial muscles**, providing insight into a future where robots may assist with household chores.

## A Fresh Perspective on Humanoid Robotics

On Wednesday, Clone Robotics showcased a **video demonstration** of Protoclone, exhibiting the robot hanging from the ceiling while its limbs move with occasional twitches and kicks. In contrast to conventional humanoid robots that depend on **electric motors and solenoids**, Protoclone utilizes **synthetic muscles** that closely imitate human motion.

The robot’s **polymer framework** is crafted to reflect the **206 bones** present in the human body. Clone Robotics is focused on creating a machine that can **manipulate human tools** and carry out daily tasks like **cleaning dishes, laundering clothes, and cooking meals**.

## Functionality of Protoclone’s Artificial Muscles

Protoclone incorporates over **1,000 artificial muscles** driven by **Myofiber technology**, a cutting-edge system rooted in the **McKibbin pneumatic muscle** principle. These muscles operate via **mesh tubes containing balloons** that contract upon being filled with **hydraulic fluid**, replicating the function of human muscles.

A **500-watt electric pump** acts as the robot’s “heart,” circulating fluid at **40 standard liters per minute** to facilitate movement. This groundbreaking method enables Protoclone to move in a manner that appears more **natural and lifelike** compared to traditional humanoid robots.

## Sophisticated Sensory System

Protoclone comes equipped with a **complex sensory system** that allows it to sense and interact with its surroundings. Key components include:

– **Four depth cameras** for vision
– **70 inertial sensors** to monitor joint movements
– **320 pressure sensors** for tactile feedback

These sensors enable Protoclone to **respond to visual stimuli** and potentially learn by **watching human behaviors**, a vital advancement toward autonomous functionality.

## Obstacles to Overcome

Although Protoclone signifies a **significant advancement**, it remains in the **initial phases of development**. The current prototype requires **ceiling support** for stability, indicating it cannot yet move independently.

Clone Robotics has earlier showcased aspects of this technology, such as a **robotic hand** in 2022 and a **robotic torso** in early 2024. However, the task of allowing Protoclone to **stand and maintain balance** without external assistance presents a considerable challenge.

## Competitors in the Humanoid Robotics Arena

Clone Robotics is not the sole entity pursuing **functional humanoid robots**. Other firms engaged in similar endeavors include:

– **Boston Dynamics** – Renowned for its **Atlas** humanoid robot
– **Unitree** – Recently released a **$16,000 humanoid robot**
– **Figure AI** – Experimenting with humanoid robots in **industrial environments**
– **Tesla** – Advancing the **Optimus humanoid robot**

Moreover, technology behemoths like **Nvidia, Google, and Microsoft** are vying to create **AI frameworks** that could support future autonomous home robots.

## Future Intentions: 279 Units Initially

Clone Robotics intends to **launch production** with **279 units** of a model named **Clone Alpha**, with preorders anticipated to commence in **late 2025**. Pricing information has yet to be disclosed, but considering the **engineering hurdles** that lie ahead, a **fully operational release** might require some time.

## Conclusion

Protoclone signifies an **exciting advancement** in humanoid robotics, with its **fluid-infused muscles** delivering a **more human-like movement** than conventional robots. While obstacles remain, Clone Robotics’ inventive approach may lead to **robots that assist with daily activities** in the near future.

As the domain of **humanoid robotics** progresses, it will be intriguing to observe how **Protoclone and its rivals** influence the future of **robotic help in homes and workplaces**.

Texas Measles Outbreak Reaches 90 Cases, Including 9 Reported in New Mexico

# Measles Outbreak in Texas Increases to 90 Cases, Heightening Public Health Alarm

A measles outbreak that originated in one of Texas’ least immunized counties has escalated to **90 confirmed cases** spanning seven counties, with potential transmission into neighboring **New Mexico**. Health authorities are becoming more apprehensive about the swift spread of the highly infectious virus, especially among **unvaccinated children**.

## **Update on the Outbreak Situation**

As reported by the **Texas Department of State Health Services**, the outbreak has predominantly impacted children, with **16 individuals hospitalized** due to severe conditions. Most cases are concentrated in **Gaines County, Texas**, which has a **kindergarten vaccination rate of merely 82%**—significantly below the recommended level for herd immunity.

Alongside Texas, **New Mexico has documented nine cases**, all in **Lea County**, which borders Gaines County. While officials have not established a direct connection between the Texas and New Mexico cases, the close geographical relationship indicates **potential community transmission**.

### **Case Distribution by County**

– **Gaines County, TX** – 57 cases
– **Terry County, TX** – 20 cases
– **Dawson County, TX** – 6 cases
– **Yoakum County, TX** – 4 cases
– **Ector, Lubbock, and Lynn Counties, TX** – 1 case each
– **Lea County, NM** – 9 cases

## **Who Is Most Affected?**

The outbreak has hit **children and unvaccinated individuals** particularly hard:

– **26 cases** in infants and toddlers (ages 0-4)
– **51 cases** in children and adolescents (ages 5-17)
– **Only five cases** in vaccinated individuals
– **16 hospitalizations** (18% of cases)

In **New Mexico**, the dynamics differ slightly, with **five of the nine cases involving adults**. However, there have been no reported hospitalizations in that state so far.

## **Why Is This Outbreak a Significant Concern?**

Measles ranks among the most **communicable viruses** identified. **90% of unvaccinated persons exposed to the virus will contract it**. The illness presents with **high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash**, but can also result in **serious complications**, including:

– **Pneumonia** (5% of cases)
– **Hospitalization** (20% of U.S. cases)
– **Death** (up to 3 in 1,000 cases)
– **Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)** – a **fatal neurologic disorder** that may emerge years after infection
– **Immune Amnesia** – measles can **diminish immune memory**, increasing susceptibility to other infections

## **What Is Contributing to the Outbreak?**

The main driver of this outbreak is **low vaccination rates**. The **Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine** is highly effective, offering **97% protection** with two doses. Yet, vaccine hesitance and misinformation have caused a drop in immunization rates within specific communities, heightening the risk of outbreaks.

## **What Actions Can Be Taken to Halt the Spread?**

Health officials are advocating for **immediate vaccination** for individuals who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. The **CDC** and **state health authorities** recommend:

– **Children receive their first MMR dose at 12-15 months** and a second dose at **4-6 years**
– **Unvaccinated adults receive at least one dose**
– **Individuals exposed to measles should be vaccinated within 72 hours** to mitigate severity

Moreover, **quarantine protocols** and **public health notifications** are being implemented to manage the outbreak.

## **Final Thoughts**

The Texas measles outbreak underscores the **vital significance of vaccination** in preventing the spread of highly contagious illnesses. As cases continue to escalate, public health officials emphasize the necessity for **enhanced immunization initiatives** to safeguard vulnerable communities and avert future outbreaks.

For more details, please visit the **Texas Department of State Health Services** or the **CDC’s measles resource page**.