Isar Aerospace has confirmed a revised launch window of January 21 to 23, 2026, for the second test flight of its Spectrum launch vehicle. The mission, which will originate from the Andøya Spaceport in Norway, represents a critical milestone in the company’s efforts to establish a sovereign European small-satellite launch capability.
Spectrum Technical Architecture
The Spectrum rocket is a two-stage liquid-fueled vehicle designed specifically for the small and medium-sized satellite market.
- Payload Capacity: Engineered to deliver up to 1,000 kilograms to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Propulsion: Utilizes Aquila engines, which are designed and manufactured in-house by Isar Aerospace.
- Manufacturing: Incorporates extensive 3D-printing and automated production techniques to reduce lead times and costs.
Operational Timeline
The upcoming flight follows rigorous ground testing and follows the inaugural flight attempt, which provided essential data for vehicle refinement. Isar Aerospace officials indicated that the January window was selected based on optimal weather conditions at the Norwegian site and final readiness checks of the launch infrastructure.
If successful, this flight will pave the way for regular commercial operations, with several European institutional and commercial customers already signed for future manifests.