Europe's First Privately Funded Orbital Rocket Launch Ends in Controlled Crash

German startup Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket achieved a 30-second flight from Norway, gathering critical data despite failing to reach orbit.

The Spectrum rocket, developed by Isar Aerospace, became the first orbital rocket launched from continental Europe on March 30, 2025.
The rocket's flight lasted approximately 30 seconds before being terminated in a controlled manner, resulting in its crash into the Norwegian Sea.
Isar Aerospace declared the test flight a success, emphasizing the collection of vital flight data to refine systems for future launches.
The launch marks a significant milestone in Europe's push for independent space access, reducing reliance on foreign providers like SpaceX.
The European Space Agency and other stakeholders lauded the mission as a key step toward advancing Europe's private space industry.