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Europe's First Privately Funded Orbital Rocket Launch Ends in Controlled Crash

German startup Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket achieved a 30-second flight from Norway, gathering critical data despite failing to reach orbit.

Overview

  • The Spectrum rocket, developed by Isar Aerospace, became the first orbital rocket launched from continental Europe on March 30, 2025.
  • The rocket's flight lasted approximately 30 seconds before being terminated in a controlled manner, resulting in its crash into the Norwegian Sea.
  • Isar Aerospace declared the test flight a success, emphasizing the collection of vital flight data to refine systems for future launches.
  • The launch marks a significant milestone in Europe's push for independent space access, reducing reliance on foreign providers like SpaceX.
  • The European Space Agency and other stakeholders lauded the mission as a key step toward advancing Europe's private space industry.

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