German space firm prepares for second rocket test flight after delays

Isar Aerospace, a German space startup, is preparing to launch Spectrum on a second test flight from Norway’s Andøya Spaceport, aiming to reduce Europe’s reliance on SpaceX. The window opens Monday evening, and Spectrum is designed to carry satellites into low-Earth orbit. The company has faced multiple delays since its first test last year, which ended in a sea crash after about 30 seconds; a January attempt was postponed by a faulty valve, a March launch was scrubbed due to a fishing vessel in the safety zone, and an April attempt was delayed by a leaking pressure vessel. The planned flight will carry five small satellites and a scientific experiment.