Germany's Spectrum Rocket Launches Successfully but Ends in Crash
The first orbital rocket launch from continental Europe, led by Isar Aerospace, achieved critical system validation and data collection despite crashing into the sea after 30 seconds.
- The Spectrum rocket, developed by Germany's Isar Aerospace, launched from Norway's Andøya Space Center on March 30, 2025, marking a historic first orbital rocket launch from continental Europe.
- The rocket flew for approximately 30 seconds before crashing into the sea, with its flight termination system functioning as intended to ensure safety.
- Isar Aerospace declared the test flight a success, emphasizing the mission's goals of validating critical systems and gathering valuable technical data for future launches.
- The Spectrum rocket is a privately funded microlauncher designed to carry payloads of up to one ton into orbit, reflecting Europe's push for independent space access.
- Two additional Spectrum rockets are already in production, with Isar Aerospace planning further launches to advance European spaceflight capabilities.
Stern 
Die Zeit 
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 
Der Tagesspiegel 
Augsburger Allgemeine 
WELT 
DER SPIEGEL 