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Historic Launch From Andøya Spaceport: "A Breakthrough for European Space Activities"
On Saturday evening, the Spectrum launch vehicle was launched from Andøya Spaceport, Northern Norway. This marks the first time satellites have been sent into orbit from continental Europe.
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At 10:12 pm CEST on Saturday, the German company Isar Aerospace successfully launched the Spectrum launch vehicle from the spaceport at Andøya.
The rocket was carrying various satellites that will orbit the Earth.
This means that satellite launch capability has now been established from European soil.
"The launch marks a breakthrough for Norwegian and European space activities and is the result of cooperation between German company Isar Aerospace and Norway’s Andøya Space. This strengthens Europe’s access to space,” says the Norwegian Minister of Industry and Commerce Cecilie Myrseth (Labor) in a press release.
"Europe is taking its destiny into its own hands, including in the space sector. A feat for Germany. A victory for all of Europe," states French President Emmanuel Macron on X.
"Result of extensive preparations"
Isar's first launch of Spectrum from Andøya in 2025 ended with the rocket crashing into the sea. Other launch attempts were aborted due to technical problems and a fishing vessel in the safety zone.
Kjetil Olsen, CEO of Andøya Space, underlines that a great deal of work and effort lies behind the now successful launch.
“We are proud to have contributed to make history. This achievement is the result of extensive preparations and the dedication of many people and professional communities. We have provided the infrastructure, expertise, and operational services required to conduct launches safely and securely from Andøya,” says Olsen.
He also maintains that this is only the beginning of a major development.
"Andøya Space is undergoing a rapid development phase aimed at achieving up to 30 satellite launches per year from the spaceport within the next few years.”
