German startup launches rocket as Europe enters satellite race — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): German startup Isar Aerospace launched its first rocket into orbit on Saturday from Arctic Norway, marking a breakthrough for Europe’s efforts to conduct commercial satellite launches from its own soil. The uncrewed Spectrum rocket lifted off from the Andøya Spaceport carrying five small satellites and an in-flight technology experiment, Isar said. “We’re in orbit! And just made European history,” the company said on X. Norway’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Cecilie Myrseth called the launch a breakthrough for the European space industry, saying it would strengthen Norway’s and Europe’s access to space and security, Reuters reported, The launch was Spectrum’s second flight. Its first launch, in March 2025, ended shortly after liftoff when the rocket fell into the sea and exploded. No one was injured. Isar said the mission nevertheless provided valuable data for further development. Saturday’s flight served as both the rocket’s qualification mission and its first flight carrying payloads, the company said. Europe is seeking greater autonomy in space as demand for satellite launches grows. Sweden’s Esrange Space Center and Britain’s SaxaVord Spaceport are among the sites competing to expand Europe’s launch capacity. Isar competes with major global launch companies including Elon Musk’s SpaceX and France’s ArianeGroup, a joint venture between Airbus and Safran. Isar said last week that it had secured about €200 million ($232…