Isar Aerospace has repaired a pressure-valve fault and opened a new launch window for its Spectrum rocket at Andøya Spaceport starting March 19. The Munich-based startup called off last week’s attempt after the valve failed to operate, but said the issue is fixed and preparations have resumed. Spectrum’s maiden flight in March 2025 ended about 30 seconds after liftoff but provided valuable data. A successful follow-up would be a significant step for Europe’s homegrown satellite launch capabilities.
Isar Aerospace Targets March 19 For Second Spectrum Test Launch After Valve Fix
Isar Aerospace co-founder Daniel Metzler, speaks during a press conference at the company's premises in Bavaria. Marijan Murat/dpa
German startup Isar Aerospace has set a new launch window for its Spectrum rocket at the Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway, with opportunities beginning on March 19. The company said engineers have resolved a pressure-valve fault that forced it to scrub a planned liftoff last week.
Isar Aerospace traced the issue to a pressure valve that did not operate as expected and said the fault was repaired rapidly, allowing launch preparations to resume. The firm emphasized that the upcoming test will push systems to their limits as it seeks clear, validated progress.
"We were able to quickly address the valve issue, clearing the way for our launch preparations," said company chief executive and co-founder Daniel Metzler. "Our goal with this mission is to demonstrate real progress, and to achieve that, we will once again push our systems to their limits. We are ready to proceed within the next available launch window."
Spectrum completed its maiden test flight in March 2025 but broke up roughly 30 seconds after liftoff. Isar said the attempt nevertheless yielded valuable telemetry and engineering data that informed the follow-up preparations.
The two-stage rocket is designed to place small satellites into low Earth orbit, a market that has grown rapidly in recent years. A successful second test would be a major milestone for Europe’s commercial launch capabilities, potentially enabling more satellites to be deployed from the continent on European-built vehicles.
Founded in 2018 and based near Munich, Isar Aerospace positions itself as a European competitor to U.S. firms such as SpaceX and Blue Origin. The effort also takes place against a broader backdrop in which Europe has trailed the United States, China and India in launch cadence and new commercial entrants, a gap highlighted by delays to the European Space Agency’s Ariane 6 programme.
Isar will monitor the rocket closely during the March window and proceed when weather and range conditions permit.
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