Augsburg, 31. Marxch 2021. OHB Sweden, a subsidiary of the space and technology group OHB SE, has signed a launch service agreement with Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) for a mission that is planned for mid 2024....With this contract we secure a launch opportunity for one of our commercial customers.
Airbus Defense and Space plans to launch a future Earth observation satellite on Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket, a two-stage rocket designed to deliver up to 700 kilograms of payload to sun-synchronous orbit. The contract announced April 22 includes options for additional Spectrum launches but does not specify a timeline for the one firm mission.
Augsburg, Germany April 27, 2021. OHB Cosmos International Launch Services GmbH, a company of OHB SE’s newly established business segment OHB DIGITAL, as well as LuxSpace, the group’s Luxembourg-based satellite manufacturer, both signed a contract for a dedicated launch with Germany-based launch service provider, Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA), for upcoming missions scheduled for mid-2024 and 2025.
Announcement of Opportunity for the Launch of Satellites on the Spectrum Demonstration FlightsQuoteAs participation condition of the German micro launcher competition, Isar Aerospace will offerlaunch opportunities for institutional payloads of up to 150 kg total mass including adaptersand/or dispensers on each of their two demonstration flights of the Spectrum launch vehicle. Thenumber of payloads per flight is not pre-defined. The selection of payloads will be done by theGerman Space Agency at DLR in consultation with Isar Aerospace and ESA.<snip>The maiden flight is currently planned for Q3 2022, the followup flight in 2023.<snip>The maximum aggregated mass of the spacecrafts/payloads eligible under this Announcement ofOpportunity is 150 kg.<snip>The reference orbit for the maiden flight is a low altitude polar orbit (< 400 km). Other polar orbitsmight be considered within the Spectrum launch system capabilities and in line with achievableorbits from the Andøya Spaceport. The altitude may change for the second Spectrum flight.<snip>The applications of all potential payload providers are to be delivered to the German Space Agencyat DLR by October 31st, 2021.
As participation condition of the German micro launcher competition, Isar Aerospace will offerlaunch opportunities for institutional payloads of up to 150 kg total mass including adaptersand/or dispensers on each of their two demonstration flights of the Spectrum launch vehicle. Thenumber of payloads per flight is not pre-defined. The selection of payloads will be done by theGerman Space Agency at DLR in consultation with Isar Aerospace and ESA.<snip>The maiden flight is currently planned for Q3 2022, the followup flight in 2023.<snip>The maximum aggregated mass of the spacecrafts/payloads eligible under this Announcement ofOpportunity is 150 kg.<snip>The reference orbit for the maiden flight is a low altitude polar orbit (< 400 km). Other polar orbitsmight be considered within the Spectrum launch system capabilities and in line with achievableorbits from the Andøya Spaceport. The altitude may change for the second Spectrum flight.<snip>The applications of all potential payload providers are to be delivered to the German Space Agencyat DLR by October 31st, 2021.
Isar Aerospace to launch OroraTech wildfire monitoring cubesat constellationQuoteJOHANNESBURG — German launch startup Isar Aerospace has signed a contract with OroraTech to launch the company’s wildfire monitoring cubesat constellation.Isar Aerospace is developing its two-stage Spectrum rocket to launch payloads of up to 700 kilograms to sun-synchronous orbit. The maiden flight of Spectrum is currently slated for the second half of 2022.Under the contract announced Sept. 7, Isar Aerospace will conduct multiple Spectrum launches to deploy more than 10 OroraTech cubesats into sun-synchronous orbit between 2022 and 2026. OroraTech will also retain the option for additional flights to launch its full constellation of several hundred cubesats aboard Spectrum missions.
JOHANNESBURG — German launch startup Isar Aerospace has signed a contract with OroraTech to launch the company’s wildfire monitoring cubesat constellation.Isar Aerospace is developing its two-stage Spectrum rocket to launch payloads of up to 700 kilograms to sun-synchronous orbit. The maiden flight of Spectrum is currently slated for the second half of 2022.Under the contract announced Sept. 7, Isar Aerospace will conduct multiple Spectrum launches to deploy more than 10 OroraTech cubesats into sun-synchronous orbit between 2022 and 2026. OroraTech will also retain the option for additional flights to launch its full constellation of several hundred cubesats aboard Spectrum missions.
Rocket Factory Augsburg @rfa_spaceWe just keep going!RFA ONE's first stage arrived safely in SaxaVord and has been lifted onto the launch pad. The RFA UK team is currently working hard to prepare it for our first hot fire campaign.Who's as excited as we are?
“We won’t be firing another first stage this year and the first test flight has also been postponed until next year,” RFA spokesperson Jonas Kellner told SpaceNews via email.
Quote from: TheKutKu on 03/17/2025 06:21 pmLaunch NET 23rd since there is no road closure and active danger area before.FWIW: https://twitter.com/AndrewParsonson/status/1901889848211902684QuoteThere has been a small update to the @AndoyaSpace road closure notice for the inaugural @isaraerospace Spectrum flight. The launch is now to occur no earlier than 23 March. Image credit: Isar Aerospacehttps://twitter.com/AndrewParsonson/status/1902333793232404634QuoteThere has been a small update to the @AndoyaSpace road closure notice for the inaugural @isaraerospace Spectrum flight. The launch is now to occur no earlier than 23 March. Image credit: Isar Aerospace[edit: zubenelgenubi]
Launch NET 23rd since there is no road closure and active danger area before.
There has been a small update to the @AndoyaSpace road closure notice for the inaugural @isaraerospace Spectrum flight. The launch is now to occur no earlier than 23 March. Image credit: Isar Aerospace
https://twitter.com/isaraerospace/status/1902977867849277609QuoteSubject to weather, safety and range infrastructure, the first launch window for Spectrum’s first test flight opens NET 24 Mar.Follow our newsroom for more info https://www.isaraerospace.com/newsroom-first-test-flight#fromisartospace #goingfullspectrumPhoto: © Isar Aerospace | Robin Brillert, Wingmen Media
Subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure, the first launch window for Spectrum’s first test flight opens NET 24 Mar.Follow our newsroom for more info https://www.isaraerospace.com/newsroom-first-test-flight#fromisartospace #goingfullspectrumPhoto: © Isar Aerospace | Robin Brillert, Wingmen Media
Scrubbed due to weatherhttps://twitter.com/isaraerospace/status/1904148400813048050
The maritime warning at Barentswatch updated to start midnight 26th, seems like no launch attempt tomorrow.https://www.barentswatch.no/arcticinfo/andoyafiringrangedangerzone/1QuoteThe danger area is active 26.03-30.03 with launch window 12:30-16:10 local time. The danger area is indicated as yellow prior to activation. The danger area is indicated red when it is less than 4-6 hours until it activates and the launch window opens. The danger area is deactivated and goes back to yellow as soon as the activity is finished. Should there be a need for transit or use of the area, this can be coordinated with Andøya Space. The operations center is staffed during the launch window 02:00-16:10 local time. Contact us on tel. 73 60 70 64, maritime channel 16 / 14 with call sign "Andøya Space". Outside the launch window, inquiries can be sent to [email protected]Start date: March 26, 2025 at 12:00 AM
The danger area is active 26.03-30.03 with launch window 12:30-16:10 local time. The danger area is indicated as yellow prior to activation. The danger area is indicated red when it is less than 4-6 hours until it activates and the launch window opens. The danger area is deactivated and goes back to yellow as soon as the activity is finished. Should there be a need for transit or use of the area, this can be coordinated with Andøya Space. The operations center is staffed during the launch window 02:00-16:10 local time. Contact us on tel. 73 60 70 64, maritime channel 16 / 14 with call sign "Andøya Space". Outside the launch window, inquiries can be sent to [email protected]Start date: March 26, 2025 at 12:00 AM
And official confirmation:https://twitter.com/isaraerospace/status/1904581238561620080QuoteSubject to weather, safety and range infrastructure, the second launch window for Spectrum’s first test flight opens NET 27 March. Follow us for updates.#fromisartospace #goingfullspectrum Photo: Isar Aerospace, Brady Kenniston, http://NASASpaceflight.comLocation @AndoyaSpace
Subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure, the second launch window for Spectrum’s first test flight opens NET 27 March. Follow us for updates.#fromisartospace #goingfullspectrum Photo: Isar Aerospace, Brady Kenniston, http://NASASpaceflight.comLocation @AndoyaSpace
https://twitter.com/isaraerospace/status/1904958756309328230QuoteIsar Aerospace is now targeting the next launch window for the first test flight of Spectrum NET 28 March. Follow us for more updates.#fromisartospace #goingfullspectrum
Isar Aerospace is now targeting the next launch window for the first test flight of Spectrum NET 28 March. Follow us for more updates.#fromisartospace #goingfullspectrum
https://twitter.com/isaraerospace/status/1905297479559471296QuoteFirst test flight of Spectrum NET 29 March, due to ongoing weather restrictions.#fromisartospace #goingfullspectrum
First test flight of Spectrum NET 29 March, due to ongoing weather restrictions.#fromisartospace #goingfullspectrum
https://twitter.com/isaraerospace/status/1905864701814128760QuoteAfter a second launch attempt today, the first test flight of Spectrum is scrubbed due to weather restrictions. Subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure, the new launch window opens NET 30 March.Location: @AndoyaSpace (C) Isar Aerospace, Simon Fischer Wingmen MediaNote that per NOTAMs on the first post of this thread, with Europe in daylight saving time since the 30th, it seems Isar want to keep the launch time in local time the same, so the window is shifted one hour EARLIER in UTC (10:30 - 13:30 UTC).
After a second launch attempt today, the first test flight of Spectrum is scrubbed due to weather restrictions. Subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure, the new launch window opens NET 30 March.Location: @AndoyaSpace (C) Isar Aerospace, Simon Fischer Wingmen Media
https://twitter.com/isaraerospace/status/1906307144728649990QuoteWith this test flight, we were able to successfully gather valuable data and experience for future missions. Thanks to strict safety procedures from both Isar Aerospace and Andøya Spaceport, all personnel remained safe at all times.QuotePhoto: Isar Aerospace | Brady Kenniston, NASASpaceflight.com Location: @AndoyaSpaceEdit to add:https://twitter.com/isaraerospace/status/1906307219890589900QuoteWith Spectrum #2 and #3 already in production, Isar Aerospace is preparing for its next launch!
With this test flight, we were able to successfully gather valuable data and experience for future missions. Thanks to strict safety procedures from both Isar Aerospace and Andøya Spaceport, all personnel remained safe at all times.
Photo: Isar Aerospace | Brady Kenniston, NASASpaceflight.com Location: @AndoyaSpace
With Spectrum #2 and #3 already in production, Isar Aerospace is preparing for its next launch!
FY 2026 Budget Technical Supplement [May 30]Quote from: Page 319The Lightsheet Anomaly Resolution and Debris Observation (LARADO) instrument is integrated and undergoing testing with the Space Test Program Satellite 7 (STPSat-7) scheduled for launch in FY 2026.LARADO is a groundbreaking space-based instrument designed to detect and characterize lethal nontrackable orbital debris, using satellite and laser technology. These debris objects, ranging in size from a few centimeters to larger than a millimeter, are too small to track from the ground but pose a significant threat to operational satellites.The project is developing a miniaturized magnetometer derived from the MAGIC for maturation through flight. The payload is scheduled to fly on a rocket from Andoya in FY 2026.Second launch for Isar Aerospace's Spectrum in NET October 2025?
The Lightsheet Anomaly Resolution and Debris Observation (LARADO) instrument is integrated and undergoing testing with the Space Test Program Satellite 7 (STPSat-7) scheduled for launch in FY 2026.LARADO is a groundbreaking space-based instrument designed to detect and characterize lethal nontrackable orbital debris, using satellite and laser technology. These debris objects, ranging in size from a few centimeters to larger than a millimeter, are too small to track from the ground but pose a significant threat to operational satellites.The project is developing a miniaturized magnetometer derived from the MAGIC for maturation through flight. The payload is scheduled to fly on a rocket from Andoya in FY 2026.
Signatures between ESA and Avio have secured three missions to fly as auxiliary passengers on the Vega-C rocket from the European Spaceport in French Guiana.https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Boost/Flight_Ticket_Initiative_first_five_missions_secured_with_Avio_and_Isar_Aerospace#msdynmkt_trackingcontext=68c284af-ec56-4d20-8cf7-1df2bd950300
Flying with Isar AerospaceSignatures between ESA and Isar Aerospace have secured two missions on the Spectrum launch vehicle from the Andøya Spaceport in Norway.Infinite Orbits will launch two satellites to demonstrate a space debris cleanup mission. The infinite orbit mission will reenact the approach between a servicing satellite and a piece of space debris in low Earth orbit. The mission being launched on Spectrum consists of two satellites: one will "pretend" to be an inactive piece of space debris, and the other will approach independently and hold at a few metres. The demonstration would allow for future missions to target no longer operational satellites and remove them from orbit, or even service them for reuse. Dutch company Isispace will manage the integration and in-orbit operation of three cubesats flying on Spectrum allowing a multitude of experiment providers to test and validate their technologies in space.
Developed at the DLR Institute of Space Systems in Bremen, PLUTO a 6U CubeSat technology demonstrator features breakthrough innovations: a 100W deployable solar array (1U stowed) and an Integrated Core Avionics system that brings large spacecraft capabilities to the CubeSat form factor.The mission validates critical technologies including software-defined radio, GaN power electronics and distributed computing. Our Unified Module Framework ensures seamless scalability from CubeSats to commercial satellites. PLUTO launches mid-2026 on Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket, followed by an advanced version PLUTO+ in 2027 on Vega Launcher.
27 Aug, 2025Isar Aerospace secures launch agreements with ESA Isar Aerospace becomes first privately funded player in Europe to sign commercial launch service agreements with ESA and the European Commission Contracts cover the launch of two missions aboard ‘Spectrum’ from 2026 onwardsMunich, 27 August 2025 – Isar Aerospace has secured two launch service agreements with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission as part of the Flight Ticket Initiative. The contracts mark the first launch agreements between a privately funded European launch service provider and European institutions, setting a precedent for future institutional launches aboard Isar Aerospace’s launch vehicle ‘Spectrum’.Daniel Metzler, CEO and Co-Founder of Isar Aerospace, said: “Isar Aerospace delivers sovereign space capabilities for Europe and its partners. These agreements demonstrate the trust European institutions have in our launch services. It marks a key step in strengthening Europe’s independent space access and sets the foundation for future institutional missions under other programs like the European Launcher Challenge.”The agreement covers the launch of two missions: The ‘CASSINI’ mission, developed by the Dutch company ISISpace, and the ‘Tom & Jerry’ mission by French company Infinite Orbits. Both missions will be launched from Isar Aerospace’s dedicated launch pad at Andøya Spaceport in Norway and are scheduled from 2026 onwards.The Flight Ticket Initiative, a joint program by the European Commission through Horizon Europe IOD-IOV and ESA’s Boost!, is designed to co-fund European launch services selected on a competitive basis to demonstrate and qualify in-orbit technologies.
Today, November 18, 2025, the German company Isar Aerospace announced a new launch service agreement with the US company SEOPS. The contract includes the delivery of multiple payloads to a LEO orbit as part of a mission set for 2028.AdvertisementDedicated missionSEOPS is a US-based company that provides launch services and integration solutions for small satellites to Low Earth Orbit, cislunar, and beyond.The company leverages its long flight heritage, with hundreds of delivered payloads and a 100% mission success rate, relying on flight-proven hardware platforms such as the Equalizer Flex and Ghost Trap CubeSat deployers. The recently introduced Keystone ring is capable of supporting payloads up to 850 kg, enabling smooth, low-shock deployment.The new agreement with Isar Aerospace will allow SEOPS to expand its Launchlock Prime service, which provides ongoing support for multiple custom missions such as constellation deployments.With its recent announcements, Isar Aerospace appears to be building a solid launch manifest for the coming years for the Spectrum rocket, supported both by ESA-backed missions and by demand from various private customers worldwide. The cadence of future launches will largely depend on the next few months, which will mark Isar’s return to launch operations from Andøya Spaceport in Norway.AdvertisementSpectrum toward orbitIsar Aerospace is developing Spectrum, a small-lift two-stage orbital rocket, capable of launching up to 1000 kg of payload into LEO. The rocket is powered by nine engines fueled with Propane and Oxygen....Nearly eight months later, on November 13, Isar announced that both the first and second rocket stages had been delivered from Germany to Norway for Spectrum Flight 2. There is still no information about a possible launch window date. In October, Andøya Space published a notice for potential road closures in the launch facility area during an operational period that will end on December 21.
Isar Aerospace wins launch contract for European tech demo satelliteby Jeff Foust December 2, 2025 WASHINGTON — German launch startup Isar Aerospace won a contract to launch a European technology demonstration satellite on its Spectrum rocket in late 2026.Isar Aerospace announced Dec. 1 that it will launch the mission, called ΣYNDEO-3, in the fourth quarter of 2026. The satellite is part of the European Union’s In-Orbit Demonstration and In-Orbit Validation (IOD/IOV) Program to flight-test new spacecraft technologies.For this mission, the spacecraft will carry 10 payloads from five European countries and the European Commission, but the announcement did not disclose details about the payloads. ESA implements to IOD/IOV program on the behalf of the Commission, with funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research program.The spacecraft is being built by Redwire Space’s European business unit, using its Hammerhead satellite bus based on the company’s work on ESA’s PROBA missions. The Hammerhead bus weighs 175 kilograms and can accommodate up to 120 kilograms of payloads.That comfortably fits into the payload capacity of Spectrum, which is designed to place up to one metric ton into orbit. A spokesperson for Isar said the launch contract is not for a dedicated launch, allowing Isar to fly additional payloads, but declined to disclose financial details of the award.The announcement of the ΣYNDEO-3 contract came less than two weeks after an American payload aggregator, SEOPS, announced it bought a Spectrum launch in 2028.“Our launch manifest is filling rapidly, as our global commercial and institutional customers recognize the value of flexible, cost-effective access to space,” Stella Guillen, chief commercial officer of Isar Aerospace, said in a statement about the ΣYNDEO-3 contract.Isar has performed one orbital launch attempt of Spectrum, in March, which malfunctioned seconds after liftoff. The company said in September that the rocket suffered a loss of attitude control after not properly characterizing bending modes it would experience at liftoff.At the time, Isar Aerospace said it was working towards a second Spectrum launch “as soon as possible” but did not give a date. The company has not provided updates since then on the schedule for the second launch that, like the first, will take place from Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway.“We are confident in the capability of Isar Aerospace to ensure a safe and reliable launch, bringing the mission to orbit very soon,” said Patrice Kerhousse, ESA’s IOD/IOV program manager, in a statement about the launch contract.
hunter @hunterhartsoeISAR is targeting NET December 6th for the second flight of spectrum!
ERMINAZ-1X on 437.500 MHz was just added to the IARU Amateur Satellite Frequency Coordination sheet for ERMINAZ-1 PocketQubes.IARU Sat CoordinatorERMINAZ-1X took over the position of QUIBIK-5, which will not fly on this mission.The launch is now planned for early 2026.
Isar/Flight TwoLiftoff Time No Earlier Than January 13, 2026Mission Details Flight TwoSecond test flight of the Isar Spectrum launch vehicle. This launch will carry several cubesats as part of European Space Agency (ESA)'s “Boost!” program.Sun-Synchronous OrbitRocket Spectrum rocket by Isar AerospaceActive Spectrum Active Since 2025
Isar/Flight TwoLiftoff Time No Earlier Than January 17, 2026
Isar/Onward and UpwardLiftoff TimeNo Earlier Than March 19, 2026Onward and UpwardSecond test flight of the Isar Spectrum launch vehicle. This launch will carry 5 cubesats and 1 non-separable experiment as part of European Space Agency (ESA)'s “Boost!” program:* CyBEEsat (TU Berlin)* TriSat-S (University of Maribor)* Platform 6 (EnduroSat)* FramSat-1 (NTNU)* SpaceTeamSat1 (TU Wien Space Team)* Let It Go (Dcubed, non-separable experiment)
