Isar Aerospace's "Spectrum" rocket lifted off from a Norwegian launch site
carrying five small satellites and reached orbit roughly four minutes after
liftoff. It was Isar's second launch attempt this year after prior delays from
weather, technical issues and an errant vessel. The 28m vehicle can deliver
about 1,000kg to LEO, substantially smaller than SpaceX rockets; Isar says the
smaller size helps place satellites into specific orbits and differentiate its
offering. The company completed a €270m ($313m) financing this year and is
aiming to achieve the first commercial orbital launch from continental Europe.
