German space rocket lifts off from Norway base

German startup Isar Aerospace on Saturday launched its first rocket into space from a site in Arctic Norway, bringing Europe closer to offering satellite

flights from its own soil.



The uncrewed Spectrum rocket was the first commercial flight to reach orbit from continental Europe, where several nations have said they want a share of a growing market for space missions.



"We're in orbit! And just made European history," Isar said in a post on the social media platform X.



The event was a breakthrough for the European launch industry, giving the continent better access to space, Norway's minister of trade and industry, Cecilie Myrseth, said in a statement.



"The fact that we can now launch satellites from Andoeya strengthens Norwegian and European security in the turbulent times we live in," Myrseth said.