Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket takes off from the Andøya Spaceport in Norway. Image: Isar Aerospace
The launch is a key step in Europe’s goal to compete with US-based organisations for commercial space missions.
A rocket developed and controlled by German start-up Isar Aerospace has made history by becoming the first commercial launch to reach orbit from continental Europe.
As part of the ‘Onward and Upward’ mission, the uncrewed Spectrum rocket lifted off from Isar Aerospace’s launch complex at Andøya Space in Norway carrying a payload of satellites and reached orbit in around four minutes.
The achievement marks a major step in Europe’s ambitions to rival US counterparts for commercial space missions.
