Spectrum (rocket)

Spectrum

Render of the Spectrum rocket taking off from the launchpad
Function	Orbital launch vehicle
Manufacturer	Isar Aerospace
Country of origin	Germany
Size
Height	28 m (92 ft)
Diameter	2 m (6 ft 7 in)
Stages	2
Capacity
Payload to LEO
Mass	1,000 kg (2,200 lb)
Payload to SSO
Mass	700 kg (1,500 lb)
Launch history
Status	In Development
Launch sites	Andøya Space Guiana Space Centre
Total launches	1
Failure	1
First flight	March 30, 2025
First stage
Powered by	9 x Aquila
Propellant	Propane/LOX
Second stage
Powered by	1 x Aquila
Propellant	Propane/LOX
[edit on Wikidata]

Spectrum is a two-stage orbital launch vehicle being developed by the German startup company Isar Aerospace.^[1]

Development of the Spectrum commenced during the 2010s. Much of its design has been produced internally; a key target during development was the price point of €10,000 ($11,700) per kg, as well as to be as flexible as possible as to suit a wide variety of payload requirements. Isar Aerospace has arranged terms to conduct Spectrum launches from both the Andøya Spaceport in Norway and the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. Early customers for the launcher include Airbus Defence and Space, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and Spaceflight, Inc.

Spectrum is a two-stage launch vehicle designed to carry both small and medium-sized satellites.^[1] It has a maximum payload capacity of 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO) or alternatively up to 700 kg to a Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). Isar Aerospace has promoted the launcher for possessing considerable flexibility, better permitting it to fulfill the varying demands of its prospective customers.^[1] According to the company, the vast majority of Spectrum has been both developed and manufactured in-house, including its Aquila engines. It is a relatively compact rocket, in part facilitated by the high energy density of its propellant, which comprises a combination of liquid oxygen and propane.^[1] It has been designed to achieve a price point of €10,000 ($11,700) per kg.^[2]

The first stage of Spectrum is powered by an arrangement of nine Aquila engines, while the second stage is provided with a single Aquila engine.^[1] This second stage engine is to be equipped with a multi-ignition system, permitting it to be shut down and reignited if the launch profile should require such an arrangement, eliminating the need for an additional kick stage.^[3] The propellant is supplied to the engines at high pressure via a turbopump.^[1] In March 2023, Isar Aerospace reported having performed 124 hotfires of the Aquila engine during the prior year, these test runs having been performed at Esrange, Sweden;^[4] these tests demonstrated greater than anticipated performance with one of these engines being fired on six separate occasions without any intervening refurbishment.^[5]

During April 2021, a 20-year deal was signed by Isar Aerospace for exclusive access to one of the Andøya Space launch pads in Norway. Due to its location, inclinations between 87.4 and 108 degrees can be reached from this launch site, targeting Sun-synchronous and polar orbits.^[6][7]

In July 2022, Isar Aerospace announced that it had been selected by France's National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) to conduct launch operations at the former Kourou Diamant Launch Site at the Guiana Space Centre, which had been last used for an orbital launch in 1975. Due to the low latitude of this launch site, it can be used for equatorial and medium inclination orbits. The first launch to take place from this launch site had been scheduled for 2024.^[8]

In 2021, multiple launch arrangements for Spectrum were announced between companies, such as Airbus Defence and Space,^[9][10] EnduroSat,^[11] and Astrocast.^[12] In December 2021, it was announced by Isar Aerospace and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) that a total of seven small satellites would comprise the institutional payload to be carried on Spectrum's first flight.^[13] During early 2023, it was announced that Spectrum's first American customer, Spaceflight, Inc., had agreed terms for a dedicated launch from Andøya during 2026 along with an option for a 2025 launch.^[14][15]

During December 2021, the first launch of Spectrum was anticipated to take place sometime in 2022.^[13] By March 2023, Isar Aerospace was reportedly aiming for the first flight was set to occur sometime during the second half of 2023.^[16][17] However, by November 2023, this milestone had been postponed again into 2024.^[18] The plans to launch the first rocket in 2024 were delayed until an exhaustive slate of tests could be performed.^[19]

On 21 February 2025, a static fire test of the Spectrum was performed that reportedly confirmed that the rocket was ready.^[19] One month later, a launch license was issued by the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA);^[20] Shortly thereafter, in addition to the launch of its maiden rocket, Isar Aerospace also announced that they were in the process of assembling the second and third Spectrum.^[19][21] The first launch attempt on 24 March 2025 was scrubbed due to high winds.^[22] On 30 March 2025, the rocket was launched from Norway for the first time; however, it lost control several seconds after launch, causing the rocket to fall into the sea and explode.^[23] An investigation found that the rocket's vent valve had opened unexpectedly, leading to a loss of attitude control at the start of the roll maneuver.^[24] The rocket lifted off the pad at 12:30 pm local time and did not carry a payload.^[25]