Spectrum (rocket)
{{Short description|Two-stage small launch vehicle}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox rocket
|logo = Isaraerospace-logo2.png
|logo_upright =
|image = Spectrum rocket.jpg
|upright =
|caption = Render of the Spectrum rocket taking off from the launchpad
|name = Spectrum
|function = Orbital launch vehicle
|manufacturer = Isar Aerospace
|country-origin = Germany
|pcost =
|cpl =
|alt-cpl =
|cpl-year =
|height = {{cvt|28|m}}
|diameter = {{cvt|2|m}}
|width =
|mass =
|dry mass =
|stages = 2
|capacities =
{{Infobox rocket/payload
|location = LEO
|altitude =
|inclination =
|mass = {{cvt|1000|kg}}
|volume =
}}
{{Infobox rocket/payload
|location = SSO
|altitude =
|inclination =
|mass = {{cvt|700|kg}}
|volume =
}}
|family =
|derived_from =
|derivatives =
|comparable =
|status = In Development
|sites = {{plainlist|
}}
|launches = 1
|success =
|fail = 1
|partial =
|destroyedbefore =
|other_outcome =
|landings =
|first = March 30, 2025
|last =
|only =
|payloads =
|stagedata =
{{Infobox rocket/stage
|type = stage
|diff =
|stageno = First
|name =
|number =
|length =
|diameter =
|width =
|empty =
|gross =
|propmass =
|engines = 9 x Aquila
|solid =
|thrust =
|total =
|SI =
|burntime =
}}
{{Infobox rocket/stage
|type = stage
|diff =
|stageno = Second
|name =
|number =
|length =
|diameter =
|width =
|empty =
|gross =
|propmass =
|engines = 1 x Aquila
|solid =
|thrust =
|total =
|SI =
|burntime =
}}
}}
Spectrum is a two-stage orbital launch vehicle being developed by the German startup company Isar Aerospace.{{cite web |title = Spectrum |url = https://www.isaraerospace.com/spectrum |publisher = Isar Aerospace |access-date = 5 April 2023}}
Development of the Spectrum commenced during the 2010s. Much of its design has been produced internally; a key target during development was the price point of €10,000 ($11,700) per kg, as well as to be as flexible as possible as to suit a wide variety of payload requirements. Isar Aerospace has arranged terms to conduct Spectrum launches from both the Andøya Spaceport in Norway and the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. Early customers for the launcher include Airbus Defence and Space, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and Spaceflight, Inc. On March 30, 2025 the rocket lost control about 18 seconds after the first launch and fell into the sea.{{cite web |author=Davenport |first=Justin |date=30 March 2025 |title=Isar Aerospace launches Spectrum, fails early in first stage flight |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/03/isar-first-launch/ |access-date=30 March 2025 |publisher=NSF News Site}}{{cite web |date=30 March 2025 |title=Isar Aerospace lifts off successfully during first test flight of orbital launch vehicle |url=https://isaraerospace.com/press/isar-aerospace-lifts-off-successfully-during-first-test-flight-of-orbital-launch-vehicle |access-date=30 March 2025 |publisher=Isar Aerospace}}
Design
Spectrum is a two-stage launch vehicle designed to carry both small and medium-sized satellites. It has a maximum payload capacity of 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO) or alternatively up to 700 kg
to a Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). Isar Aerospace has promoted the launcher for possessing considerable flexibility, better permitting it to fulfil the varying demands of its prospective customers. According to the company, the vast majority of Spectrum has been both developed and manufactured inhouse, including its Aquila engines. It is a relatively compact rocket, in part facilitated by the high energy density of its propellant, which comprises a combination of liquid oxygen and propane. It has been designed to achieve a price point of €10,000 ($11,700) per kg.{{cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=21 September 2020 |title=A German rocket startup seeks to disrupt the European launch industry |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/09/a-german-rocket-startup-seeks-to-disrupt-the-european-launch-industry/ |website=Ars Technica}}
The first stage of Spectrum is powered by an arrangement of nine Aquila engines, while the second stage is provided with a single Aquila engine. This second stage engine is to be equipped with a multi-ignition system, permitting it to be shut down and reignited if the launch profile should require such an arrangement, eliminating the need for an additional 'kick' stage.{{cite web |date=8 September 2020 |title=FT: Munich start-up Isar Aerospace starts production of Spectrum rocket |url=https://spacewatch.global/2020/09/ft-munich-start-up-isar-aerospace-starts-production-of-spectrum-rocket/ |website=spacewatch.global}} The propellant is supplied to the engines at relatively high pressure via a turbopump. In March 2023, Isar Aerospace reported having performed 124 hotfires of the Aquila engine during the prior year, these test runs having been performed at Esrange, Sweden;{{cite web |date=23 March 2023 |title=Isar Aerospace unveils progress on Aquila engine development |url=https://www.isaraerospace.com/press/aquila-engine-development |access-date=5 April 2023 |publisher=Isar Aerospace}} these tests demonstrated greater than anticipated performance with one of these engines being fired on six separate occasions without any intervening refurbishment.{{cite web |url = https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2023/11/Spectrum_on_Andoeya_Spaceport_launch_pad |title = Spectrum on Andøya Spaceport launch pad |publisher = European Space Agency |date = 16 November 2023}}
Launch sites
{{main|Andøya Space#Andøya Spaceport|Guiana Space Centre}}
File:Centre Spatial Guyanais orbital launchpads.svg launch site.]]
During April 2021, a 20-year deal was signed by Isar Aerospace for exclusive access to one of the Andøya Space launch pads in Norway. Due to its location, inclinations between 87.4 and 108 degrees can be reached from this launch site, targeting Sun-synchronous and polar orbits.{{cite web |date=14 April 2021 |title=Launch site secured: Isar Aerospace signs exclusive launch pad in Norway for up to 20 years |url=https://www.isaraerospace.com/press/launch-site-secured-isar-aerospace-signs-exclusive-launch-pad-in-norway-for-up-to-20-years |access-date=5 April 2023 |publisher=Isar Aerospace}}{{cite web |last=Geschwindt |first=Siôn |date=3 November 2023 |title=Europe's first continental spaceport opens in major boost for German startup |url=https://thenextweb.com/news/europes-first-spaceport-norway-isar-aerospace |website=thenextweb.com}}
In July 2022, Isar Aerospace announced that it had been selected by France's National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) to conduct launch operations at the former Kourou Diamant Launch Site at the Guiana Space Centre, which had been last used for an orbital launch in 1975. Due to the low latitude of this launch site, it can be used for equatorial and medium inclination orbits. The first launch to take place from this launch site has been scheduled for 2024.{{cite web |date=21 July 2022 |title=Isar Aerospace selected to be first privately-funded launch services company flying satellites from Guiana Space Centre |url=https://www.isaraerospace.com/press/isar-aerospace-selected-to-be-first-privately-funded-launch-services-company-flying-satellites-from-guiana-space-centre |access-date=5 April 2023 |publisher=Isar Aerospace}}
Launches
In 2021, multiple launch arrangements for Spectrum were announced between companies, such as Airbus Defence and Space,{{cite news |last = Holmes |first = Mark |title = Isar Aerospace Signs Launch Deal with Airbus Defence and Space |newspaper = ViaSatellite |date = 22 April 2021 |url = https://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2021/04/22/isar-aerospace-signs-launch-deal-with-airbus-defence-and-space/ |access-date = 5 April 2023}}{{cite web |url = https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/commercial-space/airbus-commits-using-isars-spectrum-micro-launcher |title = Airbus Commits To Using Isar's Spectrum Micro-Launcher |publisher = Aviation Week |date = 22 April 2021}} EnduroSat,{{cite news |last = Jewett |first = Rachel |title = EnduroSat Signs Launch Contract With German Isar Aerospace |newspaper = ViaSatellite |publisher = |date = 25 October 2021 |url = https://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2021/10/25/endurosat-signs-launch-contract-with-german-isar-aerospace/ |access-date = 5 April 2023}} and Astrocast.{{cite news |last = Holmes |first = Mark |title = Astrocast Taps Isar Aerospace for Upcoming Launch |newspaper = ViaSatellite |date = 15 December 2021 |url = https://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2021/12/15/astrocast-taps-isar-aerospace-for-upcoming-launch/ |access-date = 5 April 2023}} In December 2021, it was announced by Isar Aerospace and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) that a total of seven small satellites would comprise the institutional payload to be carried on Spectrum's first flight.{{cite web |date=14 December 2021 |title=Isar Aerospace announces payloads for Spectrum's first flight |url=https://spacewatch.global/2021/12/isar-aerospace-announces-payloads-for-spectrums-first-flight/ |website=spacewatch.global}} During early 2023, it was announced that Spectrum's first American customer, Spaceflight, Inc., had agreed terms for a dedicated launch from Andøya during 2026 along with an option for a 2025 launch.{{cite news |last = Jewett |first = Rachel |title = Isar Aerospace Signs Rideshare Deal with Spaceflight, Works Toward First Flight |newspaper = ViaSatellite |publisher = |date = 26 January 2023 |url = https://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2023/01/26/isar-aerospace-signs-rideshare-deal-with-spaceflight-works-toward-first-flight/ |access-date = 5 April 2023}}{{cite web |url = https://spacenews.com/spaceflight-books-dedicated-isar-aerospace-launch-in-2026/ |title = Spaceflight books dedicated Isar Aerospace launch in 2026 |website = spacenews.com |first = Jason |last = Rainbow |date = 25 January 2023}}
During December 2021, the first launch of Spectrum was anticipated to take place sometime in 2022. By March 2023, Isar Aerospace was reportedly aiming for the first flight was set to occur sometime during the second half of 2023.{{cite news |last = Berger |first = Eric |title = A front-runner emerges in the European small launcher race |newspaper = Ars Technica |publisher = |date = 28 March 2023 |url = https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/03/a-front-runner-emerges-in-the-european-small-launcher-race/ |access-date = 5 April 2023}}{{cite web |url = https://tech.eu/2023/03/28/isar-aerospace-closes-155-million-round-ignition-sequence-start-all-engine-running/ |title = Isar Aerospace closes €155 million round, ignition sequence start, all engine running |first = Dan |last = Taylor |website = tech.eu |date = 28 March 2023}} However, by November 2023, this milestone had been postponed again into 2024.{{cite web |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-02/german-startup-to-launch-rockets-from-norway-in-first-for-europe?leadSource=uverify%20wall |title = German Startup to Launch Rockets From Norway in First for Europe |first = Kate |last = Duffy |publisher = Bloomberg |date = 2 November 2023}} The plans to launch the first rocket in 2024 where delayed until an exhaustive slate of tests could be performed.{{cite web |last1=Foust |first1=Jeff |date=21 February 2025 |title=Isar Aerospace completes testing of first Spectrum rocket |url=https://spacenews.com/isar-aerospace-completes-testing-of-first-spectrum-rocket/ |access-date=22 February 2025 |website=SpaceNews}}
On 21 February 2025, a static fire test of the Spectrum was performed that reportedly confirmed that the rocket was ready. One month later, a launch license was issued by the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA);{{Cite web |date=17 March 2025 |title=Isar Aerospace receives NCAA Permit for launch and is ready for first test flight |url=https://www.isaraerospace.com/press/isar-aerospace-receives-ncaa-permit-for-launch-and-is-ready-for-first-test-flight |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250317191916/https://www.isaraerospace.com/press/isar-aerospace-receives-ncaa-permit-for-launch-and-is-ready-for-first-test-flight |archive-date=17 March 2025 |access-date=17 March 2025 |website=Isar Aerospace}} Shortly thereafter, in addition to the launch of its maiden rocket, Isar also announced that they were in the process of assembling the second and third Spectrum.{{Cite web |date=21 March 2025 |title=Flight News! |url=https://www.isaraerospace.com/newsroom-first-test-flight |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322132719/https://www.isaraerospace.com/newsroom-first-test-flight |archive-date=22 March 2025 |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=Isar Aerospace |language=en}} On 30 March 2025, the rocket was launched from Norway for the first time; however, it lost control several seconds after launch, causing the rocket to fall back to earth and explode.{{Cite web |last=Jostad |first=Fredrik Ouren |date=30 March 2025 |title=Falt ned kort tid etter historisk oppskytning |trans-title=Fell down shortly after historic launch |url=https://www.vg.no/nyheter/i/eM4vnO/andoeya-kan-bli-vitne-til-historisk-rakettoppskyting-soendag |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=VG |language=no}} The rocket lifted off the pad at 12.30 pm local time and did not carry a payload.{{cite news |author=Holmes |first=Oliver |date=2025-03-30 |title=First orbital rocket launched from mainland Europe crashes after takeoff |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/30/first-orbital-rocket-launched-europe-crashes-launch-spectrum |access-date=2025-03-30 |work=The Guardian}}
Statistics
= Launch sites =
{{#invoke:Chart | bar chart
| float = center
| width = 520
| height = 200
| stack = 1
| group 1 = 1
| colors = MediumBlue
| group names = Andøya Spaceport, Norway
| x legends = 2025
| y tick marks = 1
}}
= Launch outcomes=
{{#invoke:Chart | bar chart
| float = center
| width = 520
| height = 320
| stack = 1
| group 1 = 0
| group 2 = 1
| group 3 = 0
| group 4 = 0
| colors = Black : DarkRed : Goldenrod : ForestGreen
| group names = Loss before launch : Loss during flight : Partial failure : Success (commercial and government)
| x legends = 2025
| y tick marks = 1
}}
Past launches
= 2025 =
{{sticky header}}
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders collapsible sticky-header" id="2025ytd" style="width: 100%;"
! scope="col" | ! Date and time (UTC) ! Booster ! Launch site ! Payload ! Orbit ! scope="col" | Launch |
| id=""
! rowspan=2 scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | 1 | 30 March 2025 | Spectrum | Andøya Spaceport, Norway | None | {{Failure}} | {{Failure}} |
| colspan="6" | Maiden/demonstration flight of Spectrum, 'Going Full Spectrum'. 18 seconds into flight control of the vehicle was lost. |
References
{{Reflist}}
{{European launch systems}}
{{Orbital launch systems}}
Category:Space launch vehicles of Europe