# Isar Aerospace

**Type:** Company  
**Domain:** space-development  
**Status:** Active  
**Founded:** ~2018  
**Location:** Germany/Norway  
**Focus:** Commercial small launch vehicle development

## Overview

Isar Aerospace is a European commercial launch vehicle developer building the Spectrum rocket to compete in the small launch market. The company has raised over €200M from institutional investors including Airbus Ventures and HV Capital.

## Key Products

- **Spectrum rocket**: Small launch vehicle targeting the European commercial launch market

## Timeline

- **2018** — Company founded (approximate)
- **~2024-2025** — Raised over €200M from Airbus Ventures, HV Capital, and other institutional investors
- **2026-03-25** — Second launch attempt of Spectrum rocket scrubbed; vehicle has not yet reached orbit

## Strategic Position

Isar represents the European commercial launch sector's attempt to compete with established players like SpaceX and Rocket Lab. Despite significant capital backing, the company faces the typical challenges of new launch vehicle programs in achieving operational cadence.

## Sources

- NASASpaceFlight, March 25, 2026