Isar Aerospace Spectrum
Spectrum is a two-stage orbital launch vehicle being developed by the German startup company Isar Aerospace. The company intends for the Spectrum rocket to achieve the first commercial launch of a Small-lift launch vehicle to orbit by a European business.
| 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 | |
| First flight | H2 2023 |
| First stage | |
| Powered by | 9 x Aquila |
| Propellant | Propane/LOX |
| Second stage | |
| Powered by | 1 x Aquila |
| Propellant | Propane/LOX |
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.. In December 2021, the first launch of Spectrum was anticipated to take place some time in 2022; following delays, it is presently set to occur during 2024.