First Rocket Launch to Earth Orbit from Europe Fails
7
Science
March 30, 2025 15:00
andøya - The European rocket launch from German start-up Isar Aerospace in Norway failed, impacting the space industry competition.
Europe's First Rocket Launch Attempt
The launch of a rocket by German start-up Isar Aerospace in Norway failed, marking the first such attempt from the European mainland to orbit the Earth.
The 28-meter-long Spectrum rocket took off from the snowy Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway. Shortly after liftoff, the rocket started to oscillate, veered off course, and crashed back to Earth, causing a powerful explosion.
The rocket, with a two-meter diameter and a payload capacity of one ton, was designed for an empty flight as a test run. Isar Aerospace CEO Daniel Meltzer emphasized the importance of each second of the flight for data collection and experience.
Several companies, including German Rocket Factory Augsburg and Spanish PLD Space, are competing to establish themselves as key players in the European space industry.