TECHNOLOGY · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Europe's First Commercial Orbital Rocket Successfully Launched
WHY IT MATTERS
This launch provides a true alternative for European customers, reducing reliance on other countries for commercial space services and marking a significant step forward for the European space industry.
What happened
German company Isar Aerospace has achieved a significant milestone in the European space industry with the successful launch of its two-stage Spectrum rocket. This marks the first entirely commercial orbital rocket launch in Europe.
The launch was conducted from a Norwegian spaceport, and the rocket successfully reached low Earth orbit. Isar Aerospace had previously attempted to achieve this feat in March but was unsuccessful.
The company's CEO, Daniel Metzler, has stated that this launch opens up a new alternative for commercial and institutional customers in the European space industry.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Europe has its first commercial orbital rocket
The Verge · Terrence O’Brien · Discovery only; Vox Media copyright terms apply