Spectrum rocket test: Data despite crash
Isar Aerospace, a German start-up, launched its Spectrum test rocket on Sunday from the Norwegian space base on Andoya Island, according to Digi24.RO.
The unmanned device, intended to pave the way for European satellite launches, crashed to the ground and exploded less than a minute after takeoff. This marked the first vertical launch of an orbital vehicle from the European continent, excluding Russia.
However, immediately after launch, the rocket crashed to the ground and exploded. Isar Aerospace, which had previously warned the first launch might end prematurely, stated the test yielded significant useful data for its team.
Sunday's mission aimed to gather data on Isar Aerospace's launch vehicle. The Spectrum rocket was presented as the first attempt at an orbital flight from the European continent, where several countries, including Sweden and the UK, have expressed their desire to enter the growing market for commercial space missions.
The Spectrum rocket's first test mission was initially scheduled for launch a week earlier from the Norwegian space base on Andoya Island, above the Arctic Circle.
However, the launch was postponed.
"Every second of flight is valuable, enabling us to gather data and gain experience. Even thirty seconds of flight would be a significant achievement," explained Daniel Metzler, co-founder and CEO of Isar Aerospace, the rocket's manufacturer, a week prior.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
