Launcher maker Isar Aerospace secures €200m ESA commitments

(SpaceEnergy) German launch-services company Isar Aerospace has signed a European Space Agency contract securing approximately €200m ($233m) in programme commitments under the European Launcher Challenge.

The Munich-based company said the funding will support development of its next generation of launch vehicles, expansion of test and launch infrastructure, increased launch cadence and future missions.

Isar Aerospace develops, manufactures and tests its Spectrum launch vehicle largely in-house. The two-stage rocket is designed to carry small and medium-sized satellites and satellite constellations to orbit.

The agreement advances Isar Aerospace into the next phase of the European Launcher Challenge, through which ESA is supporting emerging commercial launch providers as part of efforts to expand Europe’s independent access to space and increase competition in launch services.

ESA Space Transportation director Géraldine Naja said the contracts are intended to accelerate European launch capability development and broaden the range of services available to institutional and commercial customers.

Isar Aerospace said its launch manifest currently extends through 2028 and includes missions for ESA and other customers.