German startup makes history with first orbital space flight launched from European soil

German startup Isar Aerospace successfully launched its uncrewed Spectrum rocket from Arctic Norway on Saturday, marking Europe's first orbital space flight from its own soil. The rocket, designed for small and medium-sized payloads, carried five satellites and a technological experiment. This launch follows a previous failed attempt 18 months prior. Isar Aerospace co-founder and CEO Daniel Metzler stated, "Access to space remains one of the biggest constraints for the space industry and national security architecture." The company also announced securing approximately €200 million from the European Space Agency to further develop rockets and expand infrastructure, aiming to enhance Europe's autonomy in the growing commercial space market.