Edit 1: launch license confirmed [Link](https://www.isaraerospace.com/newsroom-first-test-flight2)

Edit 2: launch NET 24.03.25 Link: [Senkrechtstarter](https://x.com/Senkrechtstart3/status/1902999713357455856)

Edit 3: attempt scrubbed for today due to high winds [Senkrechtstarter](https://x.com/isaraerospace/status/1904148400813048050)

Edit 4: new date 27.03.25 Link: [Isar Aerospace](https://x.com/isaraerospace/status/1904581238561620080)

Edit 5: new date 28.03.25 Link: [Isar Aerospace](https://x.com/isaraerospace/status/1904958756309328230)

Edit 6: a livestream will be available. [Twitter/X](https://x.com/isaraerospace/status/1905262046720962615)

Edit 7: new date 29.03.25 Link [Isar Aerospace](https://x.com/isaraerospace/status/1905297479559471296)

Edit 8: attempt scrubbed due to weather. New date 30.03.25 Link [Isar Aerospace](https://x.com/isaraerospace/status/1905864701814128760)

---

[Isar Aerospace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isar_Aerospace) is entering the small satellite launch market as a new contender. 
The Spectrum rocket is capable of delivering payloads of up to 700 kg to Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). 
Founded in 2018 in Munich, Germany, the company produces most of its components in-house, utilizing 3D printing and carbon composite materials, similar to Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket. 
This launch marks a milestone as the first Western-European orbital rocket to lift off from Western Europe. 
The Spectrum rocket features nine Aquila engines on its first stage and one on its second stage, powered by a unique combination of propane and liquid oxygen (LOX). The launch will take place at the [Andøya Space Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/And%C3%B8ya_Space) in Norway.

Here’s a comparison of Spectrum with other small-lift launch vehicles:

| Rocket        | Height [m] | Diameter [m] | Payload to SSO [kg] | Cost per Launch       |
|---------------|------------|--------------|---------------------|-----------------------|
| Spectrum      | 28         | 2            | 700                 | ~ $12 million         |
| Firefly Alpha | 29         | 1.8          | 630                 | ~ $15 - $18 million   |
| Electron      | 18         | 1.2          | 200                 | ~ $8 million          |

For more insights, Moritz Vieth from Senkrechtstarter provides detailed coverage (in German):  
- A factory tour of Isar Aerospace: [ISAR Aerospace Spectrum Rakete: Funktion, Fertigung und wo sie besser ist als das SpaceX Starship](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fseVOnzAWA4)  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fseVOnzAWA4
- A look at the Aquila engine prototype: [Raketentriebwerk: Mo am ISAR Aerospace Engine Demonstrator | Was ist was? Wofür ist es gut?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-I9SYMSxQ4)  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-I9SYMSxQ4
- An interview with founder and CEO Daniel Metzler: [Deutsche Rakete: Isar Aerospace Interview mit Gründer und Raketen CEO Daniel Metzler](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ19NBNphz0)  
- An interview with Marco Stemer (VP Launch Vehicle): [Isar Aerospace: technologisch schneller & besser entwickeln als der Oldspace, Interview Marco Stemer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMpQR1QOGg0)  

---


## Livestream

NASASpaceflight ['Going Full Spectrum' - Isar Aerospace's First Test Flight](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bykfQ3J4NNc)

---

### Useful links to stay up to date on launches:

Spaceflightnow.com: [Launch Schedule](https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule)

Everyday Astronaut: [Prelaunch Previews](https://everydayastronaut.com/prelaunch-previews)

Space News:

NASA Spaceflight [nasaspacefight.com](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/)

TMRO: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/TMRO/videos)

------

###### Vote for my witness: [@blue-witness](https://vote.hive.uno/@blue-witness)