Germany's Isar Aerospace launched a rocket into orbit from Norway on Saturday as Europe races to boost its ability to economically send satellites into space independently of the United States.
Isar's 28-metre (92-foot) long two-stage Spectrum rocket blasted off shortly after 2000 GMT from Andoya spaceport, north of the Arctic circle, the company said.
"We're in orbit! And just made European history: This is the first time a privately developed rocket reached orbit from continental Europe," the company said on X of the launch from the Norwegian spaceport Andoya.
About 10 minutes into the mission dubbed "Onward and Upward", the video transmission cut out after the rocket exceeded maximum range for connection.
"Germany has spaceflight capabilities," said the Ministry for Research, Technology and Space on X, hailing a "milestone that impressively demonstrates our country's innovative strength and technical expertise".
