# **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!** 🚀
