A rocket developed by German spacetech Isar Aerospace reached orbit in a second test flight from its launchpad in Norway, roughly a year and a half after its first crashed less than 30 seconds after launch. It marked the first time a privately-developed rocket has reached orbit from European soil, the company said. Isar Aerospace's rocket launched from Andøya Spaceport in Norway, achieving a significant milestone in European commercial space capabilities.

The company secured €696 million in funding for its reusable launch vehicle program. The rocket's successful orbital insertion demonstrates progress in Isar's development of the Spectrum rocket, designed for small satellite launches. The company's founder, Josef Annberg, highlighted the achievement as validation of their innovative approach to space access.