The European company Isar Aerospace is preparing for its first orbital launch, which will take place 20 in March from Andoya Cosmodrome in Norway. The company received a license from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which was the final step before the start.
The first launch of the Spectrum rocket:
- The mission was named “Going Full Spectrum” and is a test flight without a payload.
- The goal is to test all components and systems of the rocket during a real launch.
- The launch time will depend on weather conditions and the readiness of the rocket and the spaceport.
- The launch window allows the mission to be completed by the end of March.
Licensing and regulatory requirements:
- The license from CAA Norway is the first issued in the country for an orbital launch.
- It was issued in accordance with the Norwegian Space Act and taking into account the standards of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- The Andoya spaceport received a license back in August 2024 year, allowing it to conduct commercial launches.
Importance for Europe:
The launch will be an important milestone for Isar Aerospace and the entire European space industry, because:
- This is the first vertical orbital launch from Europe, with the exception of Russia.
- Previously, the only attempt at an orbital launch from Europe was made by Virgin Orbit in January 2023 year, but the LauncherOne rocket failed to reach orbit.
- The mission demonstrates Europe's independence and competitiveness in space launches.
Source: https://spacenews.com/isar-aerospace-sets-date-for-first-launch-after-receiving-license/