The initial flight will serve as an integrated test of numerous components, generating valuable data for future missions, according to co-founder and CTO Josef Fleischmann.

Originally aiming for a launch in 2024, Isar postponed the date to conduct further testing, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation.

The European Space Agency is actively promoting new startups through initiatives like the European Launcher Challenge, positioning Isar as a strong contender for future funding opportunities.

Isar Aerospace, a space startup based in Ottobrunn, is gearing up for its inaugural test flight of the Spectrum rocket, marking a significant milestone as the first European startup to reach this stage.

CEO Daniel Metzler stated that the company is nearly ready for the test flight but is currently awaiting the necessary launch license from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.

The Spectrum rocket is set to launch from Andøya Spaceport in Norway, which has received licensing approval, and the exact timing for the test flight will depend on the completion of the licensing process.

This successful static fire test follows earlier tests that confirmed the rocket's technical readiness, including the qualification of the second stage after a static fire test in 2023.

Importantly, the test flight will not carry any customer payloads, focusing solely on validating the rocket's capabilities.

On February 21, 2025, Isar announced the successful completion of a static-fire test for the first stage of Spectrum, which involved firing its nine engines for 30 seconds.

Isar Aerospace employs over 400 staff from more than 50 nations and aims to develop rockets for satellite transportation, making space more accessible for future generations.

The European launch market is experiencing increasing demand for competition, particularly as existing providers like Arianespace face delays and failures, prompting operators to seek alternatives.

Spectrum is designed to deliver payloads of up to 1,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit, and its first flight will aim for a polar orbit, making it a competitive option in the growing European launch market.