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Isar Aerospace Sets Second Spectrum Test for Wednesday With First Payload

The flight is a key test for Europe’s plan to restore independent access to space.

Overview

  • Isar Aerospace, which plans a second Spectrum test Wednesday at 21:00 CET, will launch from Norway’s Andøya with five small satellites and a science experiment.
  • The first Spectrum flight last year ended after about 30 seconds when valve and stability problems led to an explosion.
  • For this attempt, CEO Daniel Metzler says the goal is to test systems rather than promise orbit and he accepts the risk of losing the vehicle.
  • The schedule slipped from January to March for a pressure‑valve fix, and a March 23 window was scrubbed because of strong winds at Andøya.
  • If Spectrum reaches orbit it would be a first for a German rocket and would support Europe’s launcher push backed by ESA funding and about €500 million in private investment.