A German aerospace company, Isar Aerospace, is attempting a historic launch today, January 21st, from Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway. If successful, this would mark the first time a rocket has reached orbit from European soil. The launch window opens at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT; 9 p.m. local time in Norway).
First Attempt and What Went Wrong
This is not Isar Aerospace’s first try. On March 30th of last year, their Spectrum rocket launched from the same site but experienced an anomaly less than a minute into flight, resulting in a crash into the ocean. First-time orbital launches are notoriously difficult, and this outcome was expected, though spectacular, with the failure creating a dramatic fireball against the Arctic landscape.
Why This Matters: Europe’s Space Ambitions
The second attempt, dubbed “Onward and Upward,” isn’t just about technical success; it’s about Europe’s strategic push for independent space access. Currently, many European nations rely on other countries for launching satellites and payloads into orbit. Having a reliable, homegrown launch capability is crucial for both defense and economic independence.
What’s On Board?
Unlike the first test flight, this launch carries actual payloads: five cubesats and one scientific experiment. This demonstrates Isar Aerospace’s progress toward operational launches, rather than pure testing. According to company leadership, rapid iteration is key to developing these capabilities quickly.
Launch Canceled
As of 11 a.m. EST on January 21st, Isar Aerospace has canceled the planned launch attempt due to an issue with a pressurization valve. A new target date has not yet been announced.
“Europe’s immediate need for space access is clear,” said Isar Aerospace CEO Daniel Metzler. “Rapid iteration is essential to developing space capabilities precisely when they are required.”
This delay underscores the inherent challenges of rocketry, even for companies making rapid progress. Europe’s ambition to become a major space player hinges on overcoming these hurdles.
