Isar Aerospace, a satellite launch service company, has received its permit for its first test flight. Earlier this month, the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted the company a launch operator license for the flight, which will take place at Andøya Spaceport. However, due to strong winds, the mission has been delayed, and the inaugural test flight is now expected to take place in the coming days, subject to weather conditions and safety measures.
The mission, titled ‘Going Full Spectrum,’ marks the first-ever flight of an orbital launch vehicle from continental Europe. While the first test flight will not carry any customer payloads, it is a significant step for Isar Aerospace as the company aims to test its Spectrum launch vehicle.
Daniel Metzler, CEO and co-founder of Isar Aerospace, expressed his gratitude to the team, partners, and investors. “This test flight is a major milestone in our journey. It is not just about launching a rocket – it is about strengthening Europe’s space capabilities, which are crucial for our security and technological progress,” he said.
The first test flight will allow Isar Aerospace to gather valuable data and insights. The Spectrum launch vehicle was designed, developed, and nearly built entirely in-house. This flight will be the first fully integrated test of the vehicle’s systems.
Alexandre Dalloneau, Vice President of Mission and Launch Operations at Isar Aerospace, explained that the primary goal is to test every component of the launch vehicle. “Regardless of the outcome, this mission will be a significant achievement for Isar Aerospace, Andøya Spaceport, and Europe’s space ambitions,” he added.
The test results will help refine future iterations of the Spectrum vehicle, which are being developed alongside the test flight. Andøya Spaceport, located in Norway, is Europe’s first operational orbital launch site, established to support both commercial and institutional satellite launches. The spaceport’s construction began in 2021, and Isar Aerospace has exclusive access to its first launch pad, which has been tailored to the company’s specifications.
