FAILURE: Isar Spectrum flight 1 - Andøya - 30 March 2025 (10:30 UTC)

[PM3]

This launch had been announced for 2021, 2022 and 2023. Now it looks like the rocket is ready to launch soon.

Launch site: Andøya Space Center, Norway
NOTAM window: 20 March 2025, 11:30-15:10 UTC to 3 April, 10:30-14:10 UTC
Payload: 7 Cubesats ?

https://andoyaspace.no/information-about-test-activity/

In the period of March 20th–30th 2025, operational activities are planned to be conducted from the location of Andøya Spaceport. The activities will lead to periodic closure of road FV 7698, as well as restrictions for the areas in Børvågen. A maritime danger area will also be established.

   
A1469/25 NOTAMN
Q) ENOB/QRDCA/IV/BO /W /000/999/7548N00950E394
A) ENOB B) 2503201130 C) 2504031410
D) 20-29 1130-1510, MAR 30-APR 03 1030-1410
E) TEMPO DANGER AREA 'AIR DR' ACTIVATED DUE TO TEST LAUNCH FROM
ANDOYA SPACE STATION. PSN 711248N 0080407E - 762804N 0000000E -
820000N 0000000E - 820000N 0042805E - 713204N 0181035E - 701945N
0170119E - 700000N 0150000E - 692615N 0134232E - (711248N 0080407E)
F) GND G) UNL
CREATED: 13 Mar 2025 09:22:00
SOURCE: EUECYIYN

Article by Andrew Parsonson, published today:
Inaugural Isar Aerospace Spectrum Launch Set for Late March

The payloads for this demo flight were chosen in 2021 through DLR Microlauncher Competition. Not sure if this manifest is still valid, but here are the seven cubesats selected in 2021:

- MSAE-Otters, a satellite development demo by DLR
- CyBEEsat, a communication tech demo by TU Berlin
- TOM, three satellites by ZfT Würzburg for monitoring Volcano ash clouds
- FRAMSat-1, a tech demo from Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- TRISAT-S, a communication tech demo from University of Maribor (Slovenia)

This is going to be the first German orbital launch attempt and the first one from European soil (not counting the failed LauncherOne attempt in 2023, that started from a plane that took of in England). The race goes between ISAR Aerospace and Rocket Factory Augsburg. RFA was close to a first launch, but the first stage exploded during a static fire test at SaxaVord in August 2024.

[Yggdrasill]

It should be noted this is the first orbital launch from a non-Russian European launch site. Calling it the first launch from European soil is wrong as long as Plesetsk is in Europe. Though it's a distinction I see many ignoring.

And while Isar Aerospace is German, Andøya is in Norway, so it can be debated whether it's a German launch or a Norwegian launch. The UK was calling the Virgin Orbit launch a UK launch, not a US launch. Calling it a German-Norwegian launch would probably be most accurate.

I believe this will also be the northernmost orbital launch of all time.

Anyway, whatever you call it, it's very possible this launch could be quite historic, marking a new chapter in European space activity! I really hope they are successful, although realistically, the chance of success might be something like 25%. I'm still considering driving north to watch the launch, but I don't see it happening unless the launch slides into April. (It's a ~22 hour drive each way without stops.)

[PM3]

It will indeed be the northernmost orbital launch of all time, see the spaceport map in German Wikipedia (labels not visible on mobile devices), which includes decommissioned spaceports

[Stan-1967]

...

And while Isar Aerospace is German, Andøya is in Norway, so it can be debated whether it's a German launch or a Norwegian launch. The UK was calling the Virgin Orbit launch a UK launch, not a US launch. Calling it a German-Norwegian launch would probably be most accurate.
...

I was just wondering if the countdown will be in Norwegian or German.  I personally am hoping for Norwegian!   I can hear it now... en..null..tenning!

Best of luck to Isar.  I've been watching this ambitious startup since they embarked on just propulsion, then later came around to owning the entire launch vehicle.  A good decision I think.  I am also hopefull for the success of the propane-LOX choice.  I wish they would give more details on the Aquila engine perfomance.

[Yggdrasill]

I was just wondering if the countdown will be in Norwegian or German.  I personally am hoping for Norwegian!   I can hear it now... en..null..tenning!

I would guess English. More Norwegians speak English than German and more Germans speak English than Norwegian. It's the most common working language for aerospace in Europe.

[daedalus1]

I was just wondering if the countdown will be in Norwegian or German.  I personally am hoping for Norwegian!   I can hear it now... en..null..tenning!

I would guess English. More Norwegians speak English than German and more Germans speak English than Norwegian. It's the most common working language for aerospace in Europe.

And for any other multi nation industry in Europe. I worked wit Italians and Germans, and they communicated in English.

[Yggdrasill]

And for any other multi nation industry in Europe. I worked wit Italians and Germans, and they communicated in English.

Yes, true. Could mention France is a bit of a notable exception, though. If it was a French launch company, I would expect the countdown to be in French.

[EuropeanSpaceNut]

A shot of a fully stacked Spectrum rocket - https://twitter.com/AndrewParsonson/status/1901024597090136550

[Yggdrasill]

Stacked Spectrum rocket from a Norwegian article. https://www.tu.no/artikler/andoya-space-sjefen-om-usa-et-utmerket-samarbeid/556841

[edkyle99]

Launch pad is located here.  https://maps.app.goo.gl/jdmsDDuUKLwj2pGP8
26.4 kilometers southwest of the Andoya suborbital launchers.

 - Ed Kyle

[randomname]

NGA rocket launching notice for this launch.

160751Z MAR 25
HYDROARC 23/25(42,43).
ARCTIC.
NORWEGIAN SEA.
NORWAY.
DNC 21, DNC 22.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 1130Z TO 1430Z
   DAILY 20 THRU 29 MAR AND 1030Z TO 1230Z 30 MAR
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 70-30.78N 014-58.38E, 69-10.29N 015-51.19E,
      69-00.23N 015-24.85E, 70-28.46N 013-59.67E.
   B. 70-25.10N 012-46.34E, 82-22.22N 007-34.00E,
      81-49.68N 011-12.97E, 70-32.80N 015-57.86E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 301330Z MAR 25.

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-post:

https://bsky.app/profile/andrewparsonson.bsky.social/post/3lkh3hvevqc2w

Isar Spectrum fully stacked.

[olemars]

I was just wondering if the countdown will be in Norwegian or German.  I personally am hoping for Norwegian!   I can hear it now... en..null..tenning!

Best of luck to Isar.  I've been watching this ambitious startup since they embarked on just propulsion, then later came around to owning the entire launch vehicle.  A good decision I think.  I am also hopefull for the success of the propane-LOX choice.  I wish they would give more details on the Aquila engine perfomance.

I guess it depends on whether ISAR has full control of ops during the launch, but traditionally launches at the original Andøya space facility (a bit north of the spaceport built for ISAR) are in english. Source: have participated in sounding rocket launches there.

I only realized recently that the new spaceport that ISAR is using is so much further south on the island than the sounding rocket site, but it makes sense they couldn't build it there. The old launchers are right next to a sheer cliff.

[olemars]

A paragraph in the norwegian safety notice not included in the english version mentions that the timing for the launch (besides weather) is mainly dependent on when ISAR receives their launch license from the national authorities. Launch might happen very quickly once the license is issued.

Tidspunktet for den første test oppskytningen fra Andøya Spaceport avhenger av når vår kunde, Isar Aerospace, mottar deres lisens fra Nærings- og fiskeridepartementet.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

https://www.isaraerospace.com/press/isar-aerospace-receives-ncaa-permit-for-launch-and-is-ready-for-first-test-flight

Isar Aerospace receives NCAA Permit for launch and is ready for first test flight

* Isar Aerospace granted Permit for Launch by Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)

* Launch period for first test flight set to begin 20 March 2025

* Objective for first integrated test of the launch vehicle is to collect as much data and experience as possible

Munich, Germany / Andøya, Norway 17 March 2025 – Satellite launch service company Isar Aerospace receives its permit for first flight. On Friday, 14 March the company has been granted the Launch Operator License by the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for its first test flight from Andøya Spaceport. Subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure, the company is preparing to conduct the first test flight of its Spectrum launch vehicle under this permit, with a launch period beginning 20 March 2025.

Mission ‘Going Full Spectrum’: first flight of an orbital launch vehicle from continental Europe

Isar Aerospace’s first test flight will lift-off from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. With the mission ‘Going Full Spectrum’, Isar Aerospace will conduct the first flight of an orbital launch vehicle from continental Europe. The first test flight will not include any customer payloads.

“We are approaching the most important moment of our journey so far, and I would like to thank all our team, partners, customers and investors who have been accompanying and trusting us.” says Daniel Metzler, CEO and co-founder of Isar Aerospace. “In today's geopolitical climate, our first test flight is about much more than a rocket launch: Space is one of the most critical platforms for our security, resilience and technological advancement. In the next days, Isar Aerospace will lay the foundations to regain much needed independent and competitive access to space from Europe.”

Objective of first mission: collecting as much data and experience as possible

With the first test flight, Isar Aerospace aims to collect as much data and experience as possible. The company’s Spectrum launch vehicle was designed, developed and built almost entirely in-house. For Spectrum it is the first fully integrated test of all systems.

“Our goal is to test each and every component and system of the launch vehicle”, says Alexandre Dalloneau, Vice President Mission and Launch Operations at Isar Aerospace. “No matter how far we come with this test flight, Mission ‘Going Full Spectrum’ will be a reason for our entire team to be very proud, a success for Isar Aerospace and our close partner Andøya Spaceport, and a huge step forward for European access to space.”

The test results will feed into the iterations and development of future Spectrum vehicles, which are being built and tested in parallel.

Launch site Andøya Spaceport

Andøya Spaceport is continental Europe’s first operational orbital launch site and was established to facilitate commercial and institutional satellite launches. The spaceport construction started in 2021. Isar Aerospace has exclusive access to Andøya Spaceport’s first launch pad, which the company has designed to its own specifications.

About Mission ‘Going Full Spectrum’

For more details about the Spectrum launch vehicle and the test flight Mission ‘Going Full Spectrum’ visit: https://www.isaraerospace.com/first-test-flight

Media / Journalists will be provided ongoing information and updates about the first test flight and its outcome here: https://www.isaraerospace.com/newsroom-first-test-flight

About Isar Aerospace

The European space company Isar Aerospace develops, builds and operates launch vehicles for transporting small and medium-sized satellites as well as satellite constellations into Earth’s orbit, with the mission of opening space for future generations. Headquartered near Munich, Germany, Isar Aerospace was founded in 2018 and has grown to over 400 employees from more than 50 nations, working across 5 international locations. Private funding from international investors provides strong backing for the company’s pioneering approach to scale and industrialize launch vehicle production through vertical integration. Isar Aerospace’s two-stage orbital launch vehicle Spectrum is specifically designed for satellite constellation deployment, enabling access to one of the most critical technological platforms: space. More information: www.isaraerospace.com

Press contact Isar Aerospace

Tina Schmitt, Head of Communications
E [email protected]

About Andøya Spaceport

Andøya Spaceport is strategically located on Andøya in Northern Norway, at 69° north and 16° east, a prime location for horizontal, sea-based, mobile or vertical launches. This northern vantage point, free from significant air and maritime traffic, provides optimal conditions for safe and efficient operations over the vast oceans of the north. With high-end infrastructure, Andøya Spaceport facilitates design and innovation for future launch operations with up to 1,500 kg payload capability. Once completed, our Full Operational Capacity will support up to 30 missions per year to orbital inclinations from 90° to 110.6° for commercial, military, government and institutional satellite customers. For more information visit: https://andoyaspace.no/spaceport/

Press contact Andøya Spaceport

Betine Bjørdal
E [email protected]

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Press Kit:

[TheKutKu]

Launch NET 23rd since there is no road closure and active danger area before.

[catdlr]

There is no mention of a live stream launch coverage. The only information we currently have is from their website's Live Update section. I'm subscribed to their YouTube channel, so I'll post a link if it's available.

[randomname]

Cancel-and-replace NGA notice for launch.

171850Z MAR 25
HYDROARC 24/25(38,42,43).
GREENLAND SEA.
NORWEGIAN SEA.
NORWAY.
DNC 19, DNC 20, DNC 22.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   1130Z TO 1430Z DAILY 20 THRU 29 AND
   301030Z TO 301230Z MAR IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 70-30.78N 014-58.38E, 69-10.29N 015-51.19E,
      69-00.23N 015-24.85E, 70-28.46N 013-59.67E.
   B. 70-25.10N 012-46.34E, 70-32.80N 015-57.86E,
      82-22.22N 007-34.00W, 81-49.68N 011-12.97W.
2. CANCEL HYDROARC 23/25.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 301330Z MAR 25.

[PM3]

This launch had been announced for chosen in 2021 through DLR Microlauncher Competition. Not sure if this manifest is still valid, but here are the seven cubesats selected in 2021:

- MSAE-Otters, a satellite development demo by DLR
- CyBEEsat, a communication tech demo by TU Berlin
- TOM, three satellites by ZfT Würzburg for monitoring Volcano ash clouds
- FRAMSat-1, a tech demo from Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- TRISAT-S, a communication tech demo from University of Maribor (Slovenia)

Jeff Foust writes that there will be "no customer payloads on board":

https://spacenews.com/isar-aerospace-sets-date-for-first-launch-after-receiving-license/

Do sponsored tech demo sats qualify as customer payloads? If so, then there is little confidence in the success of this launch.