The first launch of orbit rockets from mainland Europe ended with a failure on Sunday, when the vehicle exploded a few seconds after takeoff, hampering the continent’s aspirations in the commercial space sector.
Images have shown the Spectrum rocket, built by the German company Aerospace Isaremitting smoke from its sides before diving towards the ground with an ardent explosion shortly after the departure of Norway Andoya Spaceport in the Arctic region.
These rockets are specifically designed to transport useful loads such as satellites in the orbital area of the earth or beyond.
This attempt marked the first Launch of orbital vehicles European soil, excluding Russia and Europe, he first financed almost exclusively by the private sector.
The weather conditions had caused several launch delays and Isar Aerospace had maintained modest expectations. “Every second that we fly is good, because we collect data and experience. Thirty seconds would already be a great success,” said Daniel Metzler, co-founder and chief executive officer of the company, before the launch, as reported by AFP.
“We are not expected to reach the orbit with this test. In fact, no company has yet managed to put its first orbit launch vehicle,” he added.
The test flight involved a 28 -meter rocket (92 feet) and in two stages without any payload.
Before that in 2023, the virgin orbit of Richard Branson made the first attempt to launch orbital in Europe. The mission, which involved launching a rocket from a Boeing 747 in the southwest of England, failed and then led to the closure of the company.
