Milestone Launch from Andøya
Press release | Date: 31/03/2025 | Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries
– This is a milestone for Norway as a spacefaring nation. I congratulate Isar Aerospace and Andøya Spaceport on a successful test launch, says Minister of Trade and Industry, Cecilie Myrseth.
On 30th March at 12.30 pm, the launch vehicle Spectrum was launched from Andøya Spaceport. This marks a significant step forward toward launching the first satellite from Norway.
Many in Europe are working to establish satellite launch capabilities. With today's launch, Andøya Spaceport is well-positioned to become the first spaceport in Europe to send a satellite into orbit.
– We depend on satellites in modern society; they are fundamental infrastructure. The ability to launch satellites from Norway is becoming an increasingly important advantage in today's international situation. Andøya Spaceport contributes to strengthening Norwegian and European capabilities in a strategically important technological domain, says Myrseth.
Andøya Spaceport has entered into a long-term agreement with the German company Isar Aerospace, which will launch satellites using the Spectrum launch vehicle.
– Andøya Spaceport has a unique location for satellite launches and a highly competent professional environment with roots dating back over 60 years. Through its collaboration with Isar Aerospace, it has partnered with one of Europe's leading launch companies. Today's launch is yet another step forward in making Andøya one of the world's most attractive locations for satellite launches, says Myrseth.
Background
The Andøya Spaceport was officially opened in November 2023, over three years after the Norwegian Parliament allocated NOK 365 million for its establishment in June 2020.
The launch has been named "Going Full Spectrum." It was a full-scale test flight without a satellite on board. The purpose was to collect data on how the Spectrum launch vehicle performs during an actual satellite launch.
With a successful test flight, Andøya Spaceport and Isar Aerospace are now a major step closer to launching the first satellite from Norway.
Satellites play a crucial role in civil security and protection of Norwegian sovereignty. This is especially true in the Arctic regions, where vast distances and harsh climate make satellites essential tools for navigation, communication, and surveillance—key for asserting sovereignty, supporting economic activity, and public services provision.