Andøya, 5 September 2026 – Today, Isar Aerospace became the first commercial space company from Europe to successfully deliver satellites into orbit on its second flight. Mission ‘Onward and Upward’ lifted off from Isar Aerospace’s dedicated launch complex at Andøya Space in Norway at 10:12 pm CEST, deploying payloads in orbit. CEO Daniel Metzler stated the company opened space from Continental Europe, calling it a true alternative for commercial and institutional customers.

Isar Aerospace is working with customers to confirm satellite status. The qualification flight broke several records, successfully transiting Max Q, completing MECO and stage separation, igniting the second stage, and crossing the Kármán line at 100 kilometers. Payloads were selected through the German Space Agency at DLR’s Microlauncher Competition.

Isar Aerospace is advancing its global network of launch sites, nearing completion of Europe’s largest integrated production facility for launch vehicles. With the new 40,000 m² facility, the company aims to manufacture up to 40 launch vehicles per year. ‘Spectrum’ launch vehicles 3-7 are already in production. A historic turning point for Europe, the mission provides sovereign launch options and influences the continent's strategic, economic, and technological future.

Customers worldwide now have a sovereign launch option at their disposal.