German startup Isar Aerospace successfully sent its Spectrum rocket into orbit from Norway’s Arctic Andøya Spaceport, marking the first time a commercial rocket has reached orbit from continental Europe. The milestone is a major boost for Europe’s efforts to develop independent access to space and compete in the rapidly growing satellite-launch market.

Spectrum carried five small satellites and an in-flight technology experiment and is designed to serve small and medium-sized payloads. The successful mission came 18 months after Isar’s first launch ended in failure when its rocket crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The company says it now has five more rockets in production and aims to eventually conduct around 40 launches a year.

Isar plans to expand its launch operations as demand for satellite deployment grows. The company is also developing a second launch site in Nova Scotia, Canada, which could begin operations in 2028. With Europe seeking greater space autonomy amid growing global security concerns, the successful launch represents a significant step for the region’s commercial space industry.

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