In 2021, multiple launch arrangements for Spectrum were announced between companies, such as
Airbus Defence and Space,
EnduroSat, and
Astrocast. In December 2021, it was announced by Isar Aerospace and the
German Aerospace Center (DLR) that a total of seven small satellites would comprise the institutional payload to be carried on Spectrum's first flight. During early 2023, it was announced that Spectrum's first American customer,
Spaceflight, Inc., had agreed terms for a dedicated launch from Andøya during 2026 along with an option for a 2025 launch. During December 2021, the first launch of Spectrum was anticipated to take place sometime in 2022. However, by November 2023, this milestone had been postponed again into 2024. The plans to launch the first rocket in 2024 were delayed until an exhaustive slate of tests could be performed. On 21 February 2025, a
static fire test of the
Spectrum was performed that reportedly confirmed that the rocket was ready. Shortly thereafter, in addition to the launch of its maiden rocket, Isar Aerospace also announced that they were in the process of assembling the second and third
Spectrum. The first launch attempt on 24 March 2025 was scrubbed due to high winds. On 30 March 2025, the rocket was launched from Norway for the first time; however, it lost control several seconds after launch, causing the rocket to fall into the sea and explode. An investigation found that the rocket's vent valve had opened unexpectedly, leading to a loss of
attitude control at the start of the roll maneuver. The rocket lifted off the pad at 12:30 pm local time and did not carry a payload. == Launch history ==