Germany's Isar Aerospace launches its Spectrum rocket into orbit from Norway, first private orbital launch from mainland Europe
Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket reached orbit after launching from Andoya, Norway on September 5, becoming the first privately developed rocket to do so from continental Europe, per ABC News (AFP/Reuters) and Aviation Week.
Germany's Isar Aerospace launched its two-stage Spectrum rocket from the Andoya spaceport in Arctic Norway on September 5, 2026, reaching orbit on its second attempt after its first rocket exploded shortly after liftoff from the same site in 2025. The company said it was the first time a privately developed rocket reached orbit from continental Europe. Isar recently secured about €200 million from the European Space Agency, while Germany's government has pledged €35 billion by 2030 to build out national space capacity. The Spectrum can carry about one tonne to orbit, and Isar says its plant near Munich can build more than 30 rockets a year. Sources: ABC News (AFP/Reuters), Aviation Week.