Spectrum (rocket)
Render of the Spectrum rocket taking off from the launchpad | |
| Function | Orbital launch vehicle |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Isar Aerospace |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Size | |
| Height | 28 m (92 ft) |
| Diameter | 2 m (6 ft 7 in) |
| Stages | 2 |
| Capacity | |
| Payload to LEO | |
| Mass | 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) |
| Payload to SSO | |
| Mass | 700 kg (1,500 lb) |
| Launch history | |
| Status | In Development |
| Launch sites | |
| Total launches | 1 |
| Failure(s) | 1 |
| First flight | March 30, 2025 |
| First stage | |
| Powered by | 9 x Aquila |
| Propellant | Propane/LOX |
| Second stage | |
| Powered by | 1 x Aquila |
| Propellant | Propane/LOX |
Spectrum is a two-stage orbital launch vehicle being developed by the German startup company Isar Aerospace.
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.