Isar Aerospace's first Spectrum rocket lifted off from Andøya Spaceport in Norway March 30, 2025. Credit: Isar Aerospace/NASASpaceFlight.com webcast
WASHINGTON — Isar Aerospace won a contract from Planet’s German subsidiary to launch an imaging satellite, demonstrating an end-to-end space capability for the country.
Isar Aerospace announced July 2 it signed a contract with Planet Labs Germany for the launch of a Pelican high-resolution imaging satellite on a Spectrum rocket. The launch will take place in the next year, perhaps as soon as late 2026, from Andøya Spaceport in Norway.
The companies said the contract, which includes options for additional launches, is intended to demonstrate the ability of German companies to build and launch spacecraft, part of a broader push in Germany and Europe to build up sovereign space capabilities. Isar builds its rockets at its Munich headquarters, while Planet is establishing a Pelican production line in Berlin.
“Germany has set out an ambitious space agenda. Planet and Isar Aerospace are responding to the moment and delivering a first for the country: both satellite and rocket built in Germany,” Martin Polak, managing director of Planet Labs Germany, said in a statement announcing the deal.
