Every second of flight time counts | German Isar Aerospace rocket “is allowed to explode” – and probably will

The first complete rocket from Bavarian start-up Isar Aerospace could take off on Monday. Success is measured in collected data, and the developers are even expecting an explosion.

If all goes well and the weather cooperates, the Spectrum rocket from Bavarian startup Isar Aerospace is set to take off on its first test flight from Andøya Spaceport in Norway on Monday. This is according to a press release from the company. The aim of the test is to gather as much data and experience as possible.

The possibility of the rocket reaching orbit on its first complete test flight is largely ruled out. “The rocket may explode, that is even likely during the test flight,” says a spokesperson. “Every second we fly is good, because it allows us to gather data and experience. 30 seconds would already be a great success. In fact, no company has yet managed to put the first rocket into orbit.”

Whether the countdown will actually start on Monday morning and the rocket will be launched in the scheduled time window between 12.30 and 15.30 still depends on many factors. In addition to the weather, this also includes the possibility that things may come to light during the rocket checks that still need to be changed. This could result in postponements.

If the test flight goes well, it could go ahead relatively quickly. Rockets two and three are already in production, according to the spokesperson. “How quickly they will be on the launchpad also depends on the results of the first test flight – and whether only software or hardware adjustments need to be made. In any case, our goal is to be back on the launchpad as quickly as possible.”

#A double premiere

The Spectrum rocket is 28 metres long and has a diameter of two metres; depending on which orbit it is aiming for, the commercial load it can carry – known as payload in space jargon – is 700 to 1000 kilos. According to current plans, it will already be used by satellites on the second flight.

The launch of the test rocket from Norway will be a double première: not only the first flight for Isar Aerospace, but also the first launch of an orbital launch vehicle in continental Europe. Isar Aerospace develops launch vehicles for transporting satellites into orbit. Last year, even India launched more rockets than Europe. One reason for this is the many years of delays in the development of the Ariane 6 launcher.

Isar Aerospace’s vision for the future is to build up to 40 launch vehicles per year. The start-up has raised more than 400 million euros in capital to date. The Nato Innovation Fund, a venture capital fund supported by 24 Nato states, also participated in the latest financing round.

ABL might differ on the “even if it explodes we get good data” given their two booster explosions took out all their ground equipment.

I’m more fascinated that Europe put a Spaceport in far northern Norway. Could they really not find a more accessible place, or does Andoya have advantages in not thinking of?