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History for European spaceflight: Isar Aerospace reaches orbit and deploys payloads on second flight
11:09 GMT+2 ∙ 05 Sep, 2026
Andøya, 5 September 2026 – Today, Isar Aerospace became the first commercial space company from Europe to successfully deliver satellites into orbit, on what was only its second flight. Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ lifted off from Isar Aerospace’s dedicated launch complex at Andøya Space in Norway at 10:12 pm CEST, deploying payloads in orbit. “Today, Isar Aerospace opened space from Continental Europe. Launch continues to be the largest bottleneck for the global space industry and from today on, there is a true alternative for commercial and institutional customers”, said Daniel Metzler, CEO and Co-Founder of Isar Aerospace. Isar Aerospace is working with the customers to confirm the satellite status.
Daniel Metzler, CEO and Co-Founder of Isar Aerospace, said: “We achieved within a few years what had taken the European space industry decades before. Europe now has sovereign access to space. We have entered into a new chapter for European spaceflight. I am incredibly proud of our team, that has made this success story from Europe possible. We will now focus on rapidly scaling launch vehicle production, deliver on our order pipeline, and meet surging global demand.”
Isar Aerospace’s qualification flight broke several records in European commercial spaceflight: The vehicle successfully transited MaxQ, completed MECO and stage separation, and then ignited second stage as planned. It crossed the Kármán line at an altitude of 100 kilometers and jettisoned the payload fairing before reaching orbital velocity. After completing circularization burn, spacecraft separation was completed successfully.
The mission’s payloads were selected through the Microlauncher Competition of the German Space Agency at DLR that provides educational institutions and start-ups with low-cost access to space. The Microlauncher Competition is funded through ESA Boost!
Today’s mission ‘Onward and Upward’ proved Isar Aerospace’s orbital launch capability. In parallel, the company has advanced its global network of available launch sites and is nearing completion of Europe’s largest integrated production facility for launch vehicles. In addition to its current launch site in Andøya, Norway, Isar Aerospace is constructing a launch complex in Nova Scotia, Canada, covering mid- to high-inclination orbits critical for Earth observation and communications.
A historic turning point for Europe
Today marks a new era for the global space industry. The launch is not only a technical masterpiece, but also a breakthrough that will influence Europe's strategic, economic, and technological future. Customers around the world now have a sovereign launch option at their disposal.
Next ‘Spectrum’ launch vehicles already in production
Isar Aerospace's model is designed to build scalable launch capabilities. That is why the company is not only developing and building a launch vehicle, but has also built the “machine behind the machine”, including a vertically integrated manufacturing model and a high degree of automation in production. ‘Spectrum’ launch vehicles 3-7 are already in production. With the opening of the new 40,000 m² production facility, Isar Aerospace will eventually have the capacity to manufacture up to 40 launch vehicles per year.
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ to launch NET 5 September
12:09 GMT+2 ∙ 05 Sep, 2026
Following replacements and acceptance testing at component level, together with subsequent stage tests and a Wet Dress Rehearsal, Isar Aerospace has returned to the launch pad for Flight 2. The company is targeting NET 5 September to launch its qualification flight from the company’s dedicated launch complex at Andøya Space.
The launch window opens at 8pm UTC; 10pm CEST, subject to weather, safety and range clearance.
Daniel Metzler, CEO and Co-Founder of Isar Aerospace, said: “Access to space remains one of the biggest constraints for the space industry and national security architecture. We have built the infrastructure and capabilities to change that. As we prepare for our qualification flight, our goal remains clear: learn as much as we can, go as far as we can.”
Isar Aerospace is currently scaling its launch infrastructure across Europe and North America. Production is starting at the company's new headquarters, with capacity for up to 40 rockets per year, and groundwork for the Canadian launch pad is underway.
The mission will be broadcast live on YouTube.
The livestream will start at approximately:
T-01h00min
9:00pm CEST
7:00pm UTC
3:00pm EDT
Mission 'Onward and Upward' scrubbed
08:06 GMT+2 ∙ 15 Jun, 2026
Isar Aerospace is standing down from today’s launch attempt. We are still detecting off nominal behavior in the vehicle's fluid systems, the teams are analyzing the new data to isolate the root cause.
NOSA Director General on second flight
10:06 GMT+2 ∙ 15 Jun, 2026
“What I’m seeing here today compared to three years ago is amazing. Congratulations to Isar Aerospace – this second launch marks an important milestone in commercializing space in Europe. What Isar Aerospace is doing jointly with Andøya Space is tremendously important, not only for commercialization but also for providing Europe with the access to space we need. We’re especially proud that this mission carries a Norwegian student satellite. Good luck, Isar! Godspeed! We cross our fingers for this exercise.”
ESA Director General on second flight
10:06 GMT+2 ∙ 15 Jun, 2026
"With the second Spectrum launcher on the launchpad in Norway, we are witnessing a clear signal of Europe’s burgeoning commercial space transportation services. Isar Aerospace is poised to rise to a great challenge, one that will be instrumental in advancing a resilient and autonomous Europe in space."
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ launch window opens NET 15 June
07:06 GMT+2 ∙ 14 Jun, 2026
Isar Aerospace is targeting NET 15 June to launch Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ during the available launch window, which opens at 8pm UTC; 10pm CEST. The final date remains subject to weather, safety and range availability.
Mission objective: operational qualification
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ is Isar Aerospace’s second flight and qualification mission for the Spectrum launch vehicle. The mission carries five CubeSats and one experiment and aims to validate the vehicle’s critical systems under operational conditions. The mission is supported by ESA’s Boost! Programme.
The livestream will start at approximately:
Mission 'Onward and Upward' scrubbed
08:04 GMT+2 ∙ 09 Apr, 2026
Isar Aerospace is standing down from today’s launch attempt to evaluate a leak in a composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV).
The teams are assessing and will determine next steps.
Daniel Metzler, CEO and Co-Founder Isar Aerospace: "There is no question that we will reach orbit and demonstrate reliable access to space. Scrubs are part of rocket industry; every successful rocket company has been here. Each attempt gives us valuable experience and lessons learned on our path to orbit. Our teams are assessing the matter, and we will be back on the pad ready to launch soon."
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ launch window opens NET 9 April
11:04 GMT+2 ∙ 08 Apr, 2026
Isar Aerospace is targeting NET 9 April to launch Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ during the available launch window, which opens at 8pm UTC; 10pm CEST. The final date remains subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure.
The second flight and qualification mission of Isar Aerospace’s ‘Spectrum’ launch vehicle will be broadcast live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/Ss1DUqLjecc
The livestream will start at approximately:
T-01h00min
9:00pm CEST
7:00pm UTC
3:00pm EDT
Statement on Qualification Flight Scrub
03:03 GMT+1 ∙ 26 Mar, 2026
Yesterday, Isar Aerospace was set to launch its qualification flight for Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ from Andøya Space during a 15 minute launch window. While all operations and check-outs were nominal throughout the countdown, Isar Aerospace was informed about an unauthorized vessel intruding the designated danger zone at sea. Shortly before the launch system entered final autosequence, the launch was placed on hold for 15 minutes. The range could only be declared clear at 21:18, and the countdown resumed.
As a result of the delay, the vehicle encountered an increase in engine fuel temperature, which could not be addressed within the shortened countdown and hence forced the abort of the mission.
Daniel Metzler, CEO and Co-Founder of Isar Aerospace: “Rocket launches are highly complex operations – from safe ground infrastructure to more than 100,000 parts, structures, and systems working together seamlessly. While we're working to return to the pad as quickly as possible, we will not compromise on mission assurance.”
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ scrubbed
09:03 GMT+1 ∙ 25 Mar, 2026
The launch of our qualification flight has been aborted during autosequence. After a hold in countdown due to a range violation of the danger area by an unauthorized boat, the countdown reset exceeded our launch window.
Isar Aerospace is working to determine a new launch window together with Andøya Space. Further updates will follow as soon as possible.
Livestream starting soon
06:03 GMT+1 ∙ 25 Mar, 2026
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ Livestream will start soon. Follow the launch live here: https://youtube.com/live/MsbZj8PxmUk
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ launching NET 25 March, 9pm CET - Propellant loading started
04:03 GMT+1 ∙ 25 Mar, 2026
Mission 'Onward and Upward' is on track for launch at NET 9pm CET today, subject to weather, safety and range clearance. Propellant loading has started and the teams continue to monitor all systems and prepare for launch.
The broadcast starts at:
T-01h00min
8:00pm CET
7:00pm UTC
2:00pm ET
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ targeted for NET 25 March
06:03 GMT+1 ∙ 24 Mar, 2026
We are back on the pad at Andøya Space with our launch vehicle ‘Spectrum’ getting ready for Mission ‘Onward and Upward’. The launch window opens not earlier than 25 March, 9pm CET, subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure.
Follow along for updates and watch the livestream starting at T-1h (8:00pm CET, 7:00pm UTC, 2:00pm ET):
ESA Director of Space Transportation on second flight
02:03 GMT+1 ∙ 24 Mar, 2026
“These are exciting times for European space transportation, as we witness new actors developing and launching new vehicles. Regardless of the outcome of this second flight, it will be another step to make European launch services market more diverse and resilient. Isar Aerospace will have advanced its capabilities and gained valuable experience.”
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ launch window opens NET 25 March
09:03 GMT+1 ∙ 23 Mar, 2026
Andøya, 23 March 2026 – The launch of mission ‘Onward and Upward’ is moved to NET 25 March due to ongoing strong winds in the launch area. The launch window opens at 9pm CET, subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure.
The livestream will start at approximately:
T-01h00min
8:00pm CET
7:00pm UTC
2:00pm ET
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ launch window opens NET 23 March
12:03 GMT+1 ∙ 18 Mar, 2026
Isar Aerospace is targeting NET 23 March to launch mission ‘Onward and Upward’ during the available launch window, which opens at 9pm CET. This adjustment is due to unfavorable weather conditions in the launch area in the coming days. The final date remains subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure. Our team is continuing final preparations, and we’ll keep monitoring conditions closely as we approach the new launch window.
The second flight and qualification mission of Isar Aerospace’s ‘Spectrum’ launch vehicle will be broadcast live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/MsbZj8PxmUk
The livestream will start at approximately:
T-01h00min
8:00pm CET
7:00pm UTC
2:00pm ET
New available launch window for Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ opens NET 19 March
09:01 GMT+1 ∙ 30 Jan, 2026
After resolving the pressurization valve issue identified during the first launch attempt, Isar Aerospace is announcing that a new launch window for Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ will open no earlier than 19 March from the company’s dedicated launch complex at Andøya Space, subject to weather and range availability.
“We were able to quickly address the valve issue, clearing the way for our launch preparations,” said Daniel Metzler, CEO and Co-founder of Isar Aerospace. “Our goal with this mission is to demonstrate real progress, and to achieve that, we will once again push our systems to their limits. We are ready to proceed within the next available launch window.”
Update Mission ‘Onward and Upward’
03:01 GMT+1 ∙ 22 Jan, 2026
Following the launch attempt on Wednesday, 21 January, which was scrubbed to address an issue with a pressurization valve, we are taking additional time to complete targeted checks and preparations before the next launch attempt.
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ will be moved to new launch window
12:01 GMT+1 ∙ 21 Jan, 2026
We are standing down from today's launch attempt to address an issue with a pressurization valve. The teams are currently assessing the next possible launch opportunities and a new target date will be announced shortly.
Stay tuned for more information.
Follow the Livestream for Mission ‘Onward and Upward’, NET 21 January 2026
11:01 GMT+1 ∙ 20 Jan, 2026
The second flight and qualification mission of Isar Aerospace's ‘Spectrum’ launch vehicle will be broadcast live on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/MsbZj8PxmUk
The livestream will start at approximately:
T-01h00min
8:00pm CET
7:00pm UTC
2:00pm ET
As the day progresses, Isar Aerospace will provide more information and status updates here and on our social media channels.
Payload integration complete for Mission ‘Onward and Upward’
05:01 GMT+1 ∙ 19 Jan, 2026
As Isar Aerospace approaches its second flight and qualification mission, the teams have successfully integrated the payloads for Mission ‘Onward and Upward’.
Five CubeSats and one experiment will be the first payloads carried by Isar Aerospace’s in-house developed launch vehicle ‘Spectrum’.
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ is supported by ESA’s Boost! program. Through Boost! Isar Aerospace won the first Microlauncher Competition of the German Space Agency at DLR, which resulted in the selection of the payloads we are carrying on board of this flight.
Isar Aerospace is targeting a launch not earlier than 21 January 2026.
Isar Aerospace targets second launch not earlier than 21 January 2026
11:01 GMT+1 ∙ 16 Jan, 2026
Space company Isar Aerospace is approaching its second flight and qualification mission from the company’s dedicated launch complex at Andøya Space in Norway, further advancing Europe’s sovereign space capability. The launch is targeted for not earlier than 21 January, with the launch window opening at 09:00 pm CET, subject to weather, safety, and range clearance.
“This qualification flight is a deliberate step toward delivering sovereign access to space for Europe and allied nations. Just ten months after proving that launch vehicles can be designed, built, and launched from continental European soil, we’re ready to fly again. Europe’s immediate need for space access is clear. Rapid iteration is essential to developing space capabilities precisely when they are required,” said Daniel Metzler, CEO and Co‑founder of Isar Aerospace.
Mission objective: operational qualification
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ aims at validating the launch vehicle’s critical systems under operational conditions. It is Isar Aerospace’s first flight to carry payloads with five CubeSats and one experiment. “The insights we gain with this mission will strengthen Europe’s space infrastructure, a capability essential for defense readiness and economic resilience,” said Alexandre Dalloneau, Vice President Mission and Launch Operations at Isar Aerospace.
Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ is supported by ESA’s Boost! Program. Through Boost! Isar Aerospace won the first Microlauncher Competition of the German Space Agency at DLR, which resulted in the selection of the payloads onboard of this flight.
‘Spectrum’ launch vehicles 3-7 in production
Isar Aerospace is rapidly advancing Europe’s orbital capabilities through leveraging a unique vertically integrated, automated production system. The company designs and manufactures its ‘Spectrum’ launch vehicles almost entirely in-house. With vehicles 3-7 already in production and a new 40,000 m² facility near Munich opening in 2026, Isar Aerospace is positioned to address rising global demand for space access.
Less than nine months after first test flight: Isar Aerospace clears final tests for second Spectrum launch
11:12 GMT+1 ∙ 22 Dec, 2025
Andøya, 22 December 2025 – Less than nine months after Spectrum’s first test flight, Isar Aerospace has completed stage testing and is preparing for its second launch from the company’s dedicated launch complex at Andøya Space in Norway. Both of the vehicle’s stages passed 30-second integrated static fire tests, validating vehicle readiness for final integration and launch operations.
“We are building more than rockets, we are building the capability for nations to access and sustain space on their own terms,” said Daniel Metzler, CEO and Co‑founder of Isar Aerospace. “Rapid iteration is how you win in this domain. Being back on the pad less than nine months after our first test flight is proof that we can operate at the speed the world now demands.”
Isar Aerospace’s rapid pace, advancing Europe’s ability to deploy and sustain critical space infrastructure, is powered by a vertically integrated, automated production system built to deliver launch capability at scale from European soil. Spectrum is designed and manufactured almost entirely inhouse, with the infrastructure to produce more than 30 vehicles per year in its new 40,000 square-meter facility near Munich.
First Test Flight Update
11:09 GMT+2 ∙ 16 Sep, 2025
Following the first test flight of Isar Aerospace’s launch vehicle ‘Spectrum’ on 30 March 2025 from Andøya Spaceport in Norway, the company has completed a thorough investigation, further underscoring its commitment to safety.
Approximately 30 seconds into flight, ‘Spectrum’ received a termination order, resulting in an unpowered descent into the sea. The findings confirm that the flight safety system performed nominally throughout this phase of flight. At no stage did the launch pose a risk to public safety.
A comprehensive investigation was completed within two months of the launch. The findings identified an unintended opening of the vent valve and a loss of attitude control at the start of the roll maneuver as the initiating events that led to the in-flight failure. The investigation has been reviewed with the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Alexandre Dalloneau, Vice President of Mission and Launch Operations at Isar Aerospace, says: “Our first test flight was a significant achievement for our team and the company, providing valuable insights into all our systems. We have already implemented the necessary corrective actions and are eager to return to the pad soon. We launch, learn, and repeat!”
Based on the findings, Isar Aerospace has strengthened system resilience with regard to the controllability of ‘Spectrum’. To this end, software missionization has been enhanced and additional environmental margins have been incorporated. With these corrective actions in place, Isar Aerospace is confidently targeting its second flight.
The first test flight allowed the company to validate its vertical integration of designing, developing, and testing ‘Spectrum’ almost entirely in-house. The launch further represents a significant achievement for sovereign European space capabilities, marking the first orbital launch attempt from continental Europe.
Spectrum during liftoff
06:04 GMT+2 ∙ 01 Apr, 2025
On 30 March, 12:30pm CEST, Spectrum launched for the first time from Andøya Spaceport, Norway. Now it’s time to analyze, learn and get back to the pad with Spectrum #2.
Photo: Isar Aerospace | Robin Brillert, Wingmen Media