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First test flight

Going Full Spectrum

Join us for Spectrum's first test flight

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First Test Flight Updates

05:09 GMT+2 ∙ 15 Sep, 2025

LOW RES Spectrum Launch Droneshot 2 c Isar Aerospace Simon Fischer Wingmen Media

Following the first test flight of Isar Aerospace’s launch vehicle ‘Spectrum’ on 30 March 2025 from Andøya Spaceport in Norway, the company has completed a thorough investigation, further underscoring its commitment to safety. 

Approximately 30 seconds into flight, ‘Spectrum’ received a termination order, resulting in an unpowered descent into the sea. The findings confirm that the flight safety system performed nominally throughout this phase of flight. At no stage did the launch pose a risk to public safety. 

A comprehensive investigation was completed within two months of the launch. The findings identified an unintended opening of the vent valve and a loss of attitude control at the start of the roll maneuver as the initiating events that led to the in-flight failure. The investigation has been reviewed with the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). 

Spectrum during liftoff

06:04 GMT+2 ∙ 01 Apr, 2025

Spectrum Launch Close Shot 1 c Isar Aerospace Robin Brillert Wingmen Media small

On 30 March, 12:30pm CEST, Spectrum launched for the first time from Andøya Spaceport, Norway. Now it’s time to analyze, learn and get back to the pad with Spectrum #2.

Photo: Isar Aerospace | Robin Brillert, Wingmen Media

Walther Pelzer, Director General of the German Space Agency at DLR on the result of Isar Aerospace's first test flight

06:03 GMT+2 ∙ 30 Mar, 2025

Dr Walther Pelzer c DLR

“Isar Aerospace has shown that it is capable of developing a complex microlauncher in just six years. This is only possible through many parallel developments and courageous decisions. Today's maiden flight has not be launched nominally. But that doesn't mean it wasn't a success. Days like today are important to detect mistakes early on and to react quickly - which is exactly what we expect from agile companies. We are convinced that Isar Aerospace will carefully analyze the data collected from this launch attempt and gather valuable insights to improve the Spectrum rocket towards a microlauncher that will be successful on the market. As the German Space Agency, we will continue to support Isar Aerospace in this process.”

— Dr. Walther Pelzer, DLR Executive Board Member and Director General of the German Space Agency at DLR

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