Space industry reacts to Norwegian launch
SAXAVORD’s chief executive Frank Strang has reiterated his view that it will take a number of attempts to successfully launch a rocket into polar orbit from Europe.
Strang was speaking after Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket launched successfully from the Andøya space centre in Norway on Sunday but crashed 20 seconds after taking off.
Launch, learn, repeat.#fromisartospace #goingfullspectrum pic.twitter.com/nyqKKBTIsV
— Isar Aerospace (@isaraerospace) March 30, 2025
The German start-up’s chief executive Daniel Metzler said the test flight, which had been postponed due to weather, did fulfil the company’s expectations.
In a social media post on X, the company said: “With this test flight, we were able to successfully gather valuable data and experience for future missions.
“Thanks to strict safety procedures from both Isar Aerospace and Andøya Spaceport, all personnel remained safe at all times.”
The team at SaxaVord in Unst hopes to host the first European rocket launch into polar orbit later this year when Rocket Factory Augsburg, another German space company, plans to test flight its S1 rocket.
A number of other companies are also working on launching from the Shetland launch site including HyImpulse, Skyrora as well as US space giant Lockheed Martin – which is currently on the lookout for a new launch operator.
Strang told Shetland News at the weekend: “I wanted them [Isar Aerospace] to succeed as it will build confidence in the European space sector.
“A huge amount of work has gone into the attempt I am sure they learned a lot and they did achieve a launch.
“SpaceX didn’t quite get there for the first three launches, and then on the fourth they got their reward.
“I am sure Isar will go through the same journey, and we wish them every success.”
Phil Chambers, the chief executive of Orbex, the company that recently switched its launch operations from Sutherland to SaxaVord, added: “Europe’s need for a thriving space sector is crucial if we want to compete on a global stage so every launch attempt is a step forward.
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“This is a reminder that launching satellites into space is hard and requires dedication and innovation to drive success.
“We wish the Isar Aerospace team well for their next mission. It is our role to ensure the UK plays its own part in the European space sector and we are fully focused on introducing the UK to vertical orbital launches by delivering dedicated, flexible and sustainable access to space for the small satellite industry.”
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