On March 24, Isar Aerospace will launch its Spectrum rocket in an attempt to become the first company to launch from European territory into orbit. The Norwegian test flight may be a historic turning point that increases Europe’s space industry independence and lessens its dependency on American orbital launch companies.
The flight is scheduled to take off from the Andoya Spaceport in Norway at 12:30 p.m. local time, which is equivalent to 7:30 a.m. ET. On March 17, the German rocket company announced that the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority had granted it a launch license.
The Rocket Launch’s Operator is Who?
The new rocket was developed by Isar Aerospace, a German corporation, and is called Spectrum. With two stages and a propellant of oxygen and propane, Spectrum is 28 meters tall. The test flight will not be carrying any payload, and its goal, according to Isar Aerospace, is “to collect as much data and experience as possible.” The corporation declined to interview New Scientist, saying that all of its employees were too busy getting ready for the test flight.
Where and When will the Launch Take Place?
The launch has been approved by the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and will take place at the Andøya Space Center in Norway. Weather permitting, Isar Aerospace explained it plans to launch on March 24 from 12.30 to 3.30 p.m. CET.
With Russia excluded, the launch would be the first orbital launch vehicle from continental Europe to successfully complete a flight.
Isar Aerospace’s two-stage, 28-meter-tall (92-foot), 2-meter-diameter system is seven years old. One metric ton of payload may be carried into low Earth orbit by the Spectrum rocket. Nine internally developed Aquila liquid oxygen and propane engines, each capable of producing 75 kN (16,860-lb. thrust), power the first stage. A single Acquila vacuum engine generating 95 kN of thrust powers the second stage.
The business successfully finished preparations for this launch mission on February 14 by testing its nine-engine first-stage booster for 30 seconds. Last year, the second stage qualified.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has provided financial support to Isar Aerospace, which hopes to take part in its next European Launcher Challenge, which aims to promote more local launcher choices for the area.
