Europe

Frist test flight, which is expected to explode anyways.

But let's hope, that we are heading towards a good European satellite delivery method.

Also, there are several other European companies building rockets. Might want to take a look at them, too.

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The countdown has begun for the test flight of the Spectrum rocket from Bavarian start-up Isar Aerospace. If nothing else intervenes, it should take off within a time window of 12.30 to 15.30, according to the company. However, this is not yet certain, as the countdown before a rocket launch is often stopped or even aborted - possible reasons include safety concerns or the weather.

According to Isar Aerospace, the aim of the test flight is to gather as much data and as much experience as possible. The possibility of the rocket reaching orbit is largely ruled out. In the past, no company has ever managed to get its first rocket into orbit, a spokeswoman emphasized in advance. “The rocket may explode, that is even likely during the test flight,” she said. ”30 seconds would already be a great success.”

The next rockets are already in production

If the test flight goes well, things could continue relatively quickly. Rockets two and three are already in production, according to the spokeswoman. “How quickly they will be on the launchpad also depends on the results of the first test flight - and whether only software or hardware adjustments need to be made. In any case, our goal is to be back on the launch pad as quickly as possible.”

The Spectrum rocket is 28 meters long and has a diameter of 2 meters; depending on which orbit it is aiming for, the commercial load it can carry - known as payload in space jargon - is 700 to 1000 kilos. According to current plans, it will already be used by satellites on the second flight.

The launch of the test rocket from Norway will be a double premiere: not only the first flight for Isar Aerospace, but also the first launch of an orbital launch vehicle in continental Europe.

Up to 40 rockets per year

Isar Aerospace develops launchers for the transportation of satellites into orbit. Last year, even India launched more rockets than Europe. One reason for this is the many years of delays in the development of the Ariane 6 launcher.

Isar Aerospace's vision for the future is to build up to 40 launch vehicles per year. The start-up has raised more than 400 million euros in capital to date. The Nato Innovation Fund, a venture capital fund supported by 24 Nato states, also participated in the latest financing round.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)