A private European aerospace company called off its maiden attempt to launch an orbital rocket on Monday due to unfavorable wind conditions.
Munich-based Isar Aerospace had planned to launch its Spectrum rocket from Andøya, an island in northern Norway. However, the company cited weather, safety, and range infrastructure concerns for the postponement. A new launch date has not yet been set, though a rescheduled attempt could take place later this week.
The 28-meter (91-foot) Spectrum is a two-stage launch vehicle designed for small and medium-sized satellites. While the startup has acknowledged that achieving orbit on the first test flight is unlikely, it considers even a 30-second flight a success, as the primary goal is to gather data on the rocket's integrated systems.
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Isar Aerospace, which has secured more than €400 million ($435 million) in funding, aims to eventually produce up to 40 launch vehicles per year at its facility near Munich. These rockets will primarily be used to deploy satellites into orbit.
The company operates independently from the European Space Agency (ESA), which has long conducted satellite launches, mainly from French Guiana and Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Source: With input from agency