Space & Satellites
Isar Aerospace and R-Space Partnership Boosts European Space Launches
Isar Aerospace and R-Space partner to launch satellites from Andøya Spaceport, enhancing European space capabilities and technology validation.
The recent partnership between German launch service provider Isar Aerospace and Austrian space technology company R-Space represents a significant milestone in the European commercial space sector, demonstrating the growing maturation of private space capabilities and the strategic importance of in-orbit demonstration services. This collaboration, facilitated through the European Space Agency’s Marketplace program, positions two emerging European space companies to capitalize on the rapidly expanding small satellite market. The agreement encompasses the launch of two R-Space satellites aboard Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum launch vehicle in 2026 from Norway’s Andøya Spaceport, with additional flights planned through 2027, establishing a foundation for long-term collaboration in the burgeoning in-orbit demonstration and validation sector.
As the European space sector shifts from government-dominated programs toward a competitive commercial ecosystem, partnerships like this one are increasingly vital. The ESA Marketplace program exemplifies efforts to foster cross-border innovation, accelerate technology deployment, and ensure European space sovereignty. The agreement not only advances European launch capabilities but also underscores the continent’s strategic drive to maintain competitiveness against American and Asian space powers.
This article explores the background of both companies, the technical and market context of their collaboration, and the broader implications for the European space industry.
The European Space-Agencies industry has transformed significantly over the past two decades. Once dominated by government-funded programs, it is now characterized by a blend of public and private initiatives. The rise of “New Space” companies, agile, venture-backed Startups, has invigorated the sector, introducing new approaches to rocket manufacturing, launch services, and satellite technology.
Isar Aerospace, founded in 2018 near Munich, Germany, has emerged as one of Europe’s most capitalized independent New Space companies. With over €550 million raised across multiple funding rounds, Isar Aerospace has attracted investment from both private and institutional sources, including the NATO Innovation Fund. The company employs more than 400 people from over 50 nations, reflecting the international nature of the modern space workforce.
R-Space, based in Austria and led by CEO Carsten Scharlemann, specializes in In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV) services. These offerings have become increasingly important as the industry seeks to reduce barriers to space-based innovation and accelerate deployment of next-generation technologies. Scharlemann’s academic and professional background in aerospace engineering positions R-Space to serve as a bridge between research, technology development, and commercial space operations.
The ESA Marketplace initiative, under the broader ScaleUp program, is designed to stimulate growth in the European space sector by connecting industry players and supporting commercialization. The program provides both innovation support and Investments opportunities, including co-financing, access to incubators, and business accelerators.
Gianluigi Baldesi, Head of the ESA Ventures and Financing Team, described the Marketplace as a platform that “fuels commercial growth by connecting industry leaders through strategic partnerships.” The collaboration between Isar Aerospace and R-Space is a direct outcome of this approach, demonstrating how coordinated efforts can help European companies scale their operations and compete globally. The ScaleUp program’s innovation track supports technology development, while the investment track facilitates access to finance and market opportunities. This dual approach aims to address the entire lifecycle of space innovation, from early-stage research to commercial deployment.
“The ESA Marketplace fuels commercial growth by connecting industry leaders through strategic partnerships. Helping two European companies in the face of Isar Aerospace and R-Space scale their business in a joint effort is a testament to the impact we aim to create.”, Gianluigi Baldesi, ESA
The Partnerships signed between Isar Aerospace and R-Space covers the launch of two R-Space satellites aboard Isar’s Spectrum rocket from Andøya Spaceport in 2026, with further launches planned through 2027. The R-Space satellites will conduct in-orbit demonstrations for various customers, addressing a critical industry need: validating new space technologies in the actual operational environment.
Stella Guillen, Chief Commercial Officer of Isar Aerospace, emphasized the growing demand for launch capacity, stating that the company is “committed to enabling nations and industries with scalable space capabilities.” This reflects the broader market trend of increasing satellite deployments and the need for reliable, cost-effective launch services.
The partnership’s multi-year scope and alignment with ESA’s Marketplace program highlight both companies’ confidence in their capabilities and their commitment to long-term collaboration. By combining launch services with in-orbit demonstration, the agreement addresses the full innovation pipeline, from technology development to operational deployment.
“As the need for launch capacity continues to surge, Isar Aerospace is committed to enabling nations and industries with scalable space capabilities.”, Stella Guillen, Isar Aerospace
The Spectrum launch vehicle is a two-stage rocket designed for small and medium satellite deployments. Standing 28 meters tall and two meters in diameter, it uses nine Aquila engines on the first stage and a vacuum-optimized engine on the second. The rocket is capable of delivering up to 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit or 700 kg to sun-synchronous orbit.
Spectrum’s design incorporates advanced materials such as carbon composites and 3D-printed metal components, enabling reduced weight and manufacturing costs. The emphasis on vertical integration, designing, building, and testing almost entirely in-house, mirrors strategies used by leading global launch providers.
Andøya Spaceport, located in Norway at 69 degrees North, offers unique advantages for polar and sun-synchronous missions. The spaceport received its Launch Site Operator license in August 2024, authorizing up to 30 launches per year. Isar Aerospace holds exclusive access to the site’s first launch pad through a 20-year agreement, providing stability for its operations.
“From my own experience, I know that it usually takes several attempts to reach orbit, but after today’s test flight, I am very confident that Isar Aerospace will be among the fastest to achieve this.”, Bülent Altan, Chairman, Isar Aerospace
The global small satellite market is experiencing robust growth, driven by technological advances, miniaturization, and the proliferation of satellite constellations. Market research organizations estimate the sector’s value at between $8.45 billion and $11.41 billion in 2024, with projections reaching $19.67 billion to $25.32 billion by 2032. Compound annual growth rates range from 12% to over 16%, reflecting sustained demand for launch and satellite services. Isar Aerospace’s financial trajectory underscores investor confidence in European space capabilities. The company raised €155 million in a Series C round in March 2023, followed by a €65 million extension in June 2024 (including investment from the NATO Innovation Fund), and a €150 million convertible bond from Eldridge Industries in July 2025. These investments support ongoing development, manufacturing scale-up, and market expansion.
The involvement of the NATO Innovation Fund is particularly noteworthy, signaling the strategic importance of space access for European security and technological sovereignty. Andrea Traversone, Managing Partner of the NATO Innovation Fund, stated, “Access to space is critical to the technological sovereignty of Europe and the UK. Space technologies like Isar’s hold immense promise and will enable us to build a secure and prosperous future for generations to come.”
“Access to space is critical to the technological sovereignty of Europe and the UK. Space technologies like Isar’s hold immense promise and will enable us to build a secure and prosperous future for generations to come.”, Andrea Traversone, NATO Innovation Fund
In March 2025, Isar Aerospace conducted the inaugural test flight of the Spectrum rocket from Andøya Spaceport. The mission, while not reaching orbit, achieved a clean launch and 30 seconds of flight before controlled termination, validating critical systems such as the Flight Termination System. Company leadership characterized the test as a success, providing valuable data for future launches.
Following the test, Isar Aerospace accelerated production of its second and third Spectrum rockets. The company’s automated and scalable Manufacturing approach is designed to support a higher launch cadence as market demand increases. Plans for a new production facility near Munich, with capacity for up to 40 vehicles per year, further demonstrate Isar’s commitment to scaling operations.
R-Space, meanwhile, continues to expand its in-orbit demonstration services, leveraging the upcoming launches to validate new technologies for European and international customers. The company’s focus on IOD/IOV aligns with ESA’s Flight Ticket Initiative and broader efforts to reduce the “valley of death” for space innovation.
The Isar Aerospace and R-Space partnership carries significant implications for European space sovereignty and competitiveness. By developing independent launch capabilities and advanced in-orbit demonstration services, the companies contribute to reducing Europe’s reliance on foreign providers and strengthening the continent’s strategic autonomy in space.
The alignment of commercial objectives with strategic policy goals, as seen in ESA and NATO Innovation Fund involvement, creates a sustainable foundation for growth. As space technologies become increasingly central to digital transformation, climate monitoring, and security, partnerships like this one will be crucial for maintaining European leadership in the global space economy.
What is the significance of the Isar Aerospace and R-Space partnership? What is the Spectrum rocket? What is the role of Andøya Spaceport? How does this partnership support European space sovereignty? What are in-orbit demonstration and validation services?
Isar Aerospace and R-Space Strategic Partnership: Accelerating European Space Capabilities Through Commercial Launch Services
European Space Industry Foundation and Strategic Context
The ESA Marketplace and ScaleUp Programs
The Partnership Agreement: Details and Significance
Spectrum Rocket and Andøya Spaceport: Technical Overview
Market Context, Financial Dynamics, and Industry Trends
Recent Developments and Operational Progress
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
FAQ
The partnership enables both companies to collaborate on multiple satellite launches and in-orbit demonstration missions, advancing European space capabilities and supporting technology innovation under the ESA Marketplace program.
Spectrum is a two-stage launch vehicle developed by Isar Aerospace, designed to deliver small and medium satellites to low Earth and sun-synchronous orbits. It uses advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to achieve competitive performance and cost.
Andøya Spaceport in Norway provides launch infrastructure for Isar Aerospace’s operations, offering unique advantages for polar and sun-synchronous missions and supporting up to 30 launches per year.
By developing independent launch and demonstration capabilities within Europe, the partnership reduces reliance on foreign providers and strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy in space.
These services allow new space technologies to be tested and validated in the actual space environment, accelerating innovation and reducing barriers to market adoption.
Sources
Photo Credit: Isar Aerospace
Space & Satellites
Vast Space Selected by NASA for Sixth Private Astronaut Mission to ISS
NASA selects Vast Space for the sixth private astronaut mission to the ISS, focusing on science with a launch planned for summer 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Vast Space.
NASA has officially selected Vast Space to conduct the sixth private astronaut mission (PAM-6) to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, targeted for launch no earlier than summer 2027, marks a significant expansion in the commercial landscape of Low Earth Orbit (LEO). According to the announcement from the Long Beach-based aerospace company, this selection positions Vast as a key player in NASA’s strategy to transition from government-led operations to a commercial space economy.
The mission will utilize a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and a Dragon spacecraft to transport four private astronauts to the orbiting laboratory. While the specific crew members have not yet been named, Vast confirmed that the mission will focus heavily on science and research, distinguishing it from purely tourism-focused endeavors. This contract award represents a major milestone for Vast, which was founded in 2021 and is simultaneously developing its own commercial space station, Haven-1.
Under the terms of the agreement, the PAM-6 mission is designed to spend up to 14 days docked at the ISS. Vast stated in their press release that the primary objective is to conduct a broad range of experiments, including biology, biotechnology, physical sciences, and human research. This focus aligns with NASA’s requirement that private missions contribute to the utilization of the ISS’s research capabilities.
Vast will be responsible for the end-to-end mission management, including crew selection, training, and mission execution, subject to rigorous approval by NASA and its international partners. The company emphasized that this operational experience is critical for their long-term goals.
“Leveraging the remaining life of the International Space Station with science and research-led commercial crewed missions is a critical part of the transition to commercial space stations and fully unlocking the orbital economy.”
, Max Haot, CEO of Vast
The summer 2027 target date places PAM-6 in a busy operational window for the company. According to company timelines, Vast intends to launch its own single-module space station, Haven-1, in the first quarter of 2027. If these schedules hold, Vast could be managing two separate human spaceflight programs, one to the ISS and one to its own outpost, within the same calendar year.
Vast views the PAM-6 mission as more than just a flight to the ISS; it is an operational pathfinder for their future independent stations. By managing a crewed mission to the ISS, the company aims to refine the logistics, training protocols, and safety procedures required to operate Haven-1 and its planned successor, Haven-2. According to industry data, Vast successfully launched a “Haven Demo” pathfinder spacecraft in November 2025 aboard a SpaceX rideshare mission. That demonstration validated critical subsystems such as avionics and propulsion, likely contributing to NASA’s confidence in awarding the PAM-6 contract.
Dana Weigel, NASA’s ISS Program Manager, highlighted the agency’s goal of fostering a robust commercial market through these missions.
“By hosting private astronaut missions, the station helps accelerate innovation, opens new commercial pathways, and advances research strengthening the foundation of a thriving space economy.”
, Dana Weigel, NASA ISS Program Manager
The selection of Vast for PAM-6 signals a notable shift in the private astronaut market, which has previously been dominated by Axiom Space. Axiom operated the first four private missions to the ISS (Ax-1 through Ax-4) and holds the contract for Ax-5. By selecting a second provider, NASA appears to be actively encouraging competition and reducing reliance on a single vendor for commercial access to the station.
Furthermore, this “dual-track” strategy, where Vast pursues both ISS missions and its own station simultaneously, is aggressive. It suggests that the company is positioning itself not just as a participant in the current ISS program, but as a leading contender for the Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program that will eventually replace the ISS around 2030.
When will the mission launch? Who will be on board? What spacecraft will be used? How does this relate to Haven-1?
Vast Space Selected by NASA for Sixth Private Astronaut Mission to ISS
Mission Profile and Objectives
Operational Timeline
Strategic Context: The Road to Haven
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The mission is targeted for launch no earlier than summer 2027.
Vast will select four crew members. Their names have not been announced, but they will undergo NASA and international partner approval.
The mission will use a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
Vast plans to launch its own station, Haven-1, in early 2027. The ISS mission (PAM-6) serves as an operational experience builder and risk-reduction exercise for the company’s long-term habitation goals.
Sources
Photo Credit: Vast
Space & Satellites
Hypersonix Announces Launch Window for Cassowary Vex Hypersonic Mission
Hypersonix sets launch window for Cassowary Vex mission in Feb 2026 to test 3D-printed hydrogen scramjet at Mach 7 from MARS, Virginia.
Australian aerospace manufacturer Hypersonix Launch Systems has officially announced the launch window for the first flight of its DART AE (Additive Engineering) hypersonic vehicle. According to the company, the mission, codenamed “Cassowary Vex”, is scheduled to launch no earlier than late February 2026 from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at Wallops Island, Virginia.
This upcoming flight marks a significant milestone in the development of reusable hypersonic technologies. The mission will utilize a Rocket Lab HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) vehicle to boost the DART AE to its initial release speed. The primary objective is to validate the performance of the SPARTAN scramjet engine, a hydrogen-fueled propulsion system that is entirely 3D-printed.
The mission is being conducted in partnership with the United States Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), highlighting the deepening defense technology collaboration between the U.S. and Australia under the HyCAT (Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities) program.
The mission profile, detailed in recent industry reports, involves a complex sequence of events designed to test the limits of autonomous hypersonic flight. The launch vehicle, Rocket Lab’s HASTE, will lift the 3.5-meter DART AE to the upper atmosphere. Once the booster accelerates the payload to approximately Mach 5, the DART AE will separate and ignite its own engine.
According to mission specifications released by Hypersonix, the vehicle will then accelerate under its own power to a target speed of Mach 7 (approximately 8,600 km/h). The flight aims to demonstrate non-ballistic, reusable flight characteristics, distinguishing it from traditional missile tests.
The launch is set to take place at Launch Complex 2 at MARS. While the window opens in late February, Hypersonix has stated that the exact timing will be confirmed 24 hours prior to liftoff. The mission name, “Cassowary Vex,” references the flightless Australian bird, while the launch service itself has been humorously dubbed “That’s Not A Knife,” a cultural nod to the film Crocodile Dundee.
The core technology under review during this mission is the SPARTAN scramjet engine. Unlike many competitors that utilize kerosene-based fuels, the SPARTAN engine runs on green hydrogen. Hypersonix claims this fuel choice offers a higher specific impulse, resulting in greater efficiency and a clean burn that produces only water vapor. The “AE” in the vehicle’s name stands for Additive Engineering. The entire airframe and engine are constructed using high-temperature alloys, such as Inconel, capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 1,000°C. The engine features a fixed-geometry design with no moving parts, a feature intended to increase reliability while reducing manufacturing costs.
In a statement regarding the engineering effort, Hypersonix CEO Matt Hill emphasized the collaborative nature of the project:
“This flight reflects years of engineering work and the confidence of our partners at DIU, NASA, and Rocket Lab. It brings us a meaningful step closer to operational hypersonic systems that are reusable, sustainable, and strategically relevant for Australia and for our allies.”
The “Cassowary Vex” mission arrives during a period of intense activity within the hypersonic sector. The flight is part of the DIU’s HyCAT program, which selected Hypersonix to provide a testbed capable of high-cadence testing for U.S. defense technologies.
Recent industry data places Hypersonix alongside other key players in the reusable hypersonic race. For instance, Stratolaunch successfully recovered its Talon-A2 vehicle in March 2025 after a Mach 5+ flight, and Hermeus completed the first flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1 in May 2025. However, Hypersonix distinguishes itself by demonstrating a ground-launch capability via a rocket booster, rather than an air-launch system.
Dr. Michael Smart, Co-Founder and CTO of Hypersonix, noted the importance of real-world testing:
“DART AE allows us to validate propulsion, materials, and control systems at speeds and temperatures that simply can’t be replicated on the ground. What we learn from this mission will directly inform the next generation of operational hypersonic vehicles.”
The decision to utilize green hydrogen for the SPARTAN scramjet represents a calculated risk with potentially high rewards. While hydrogen offers superior energy density by weight compared to hydrocarbon fuels, it presents storage and volumetric challenges. If the “Cassowary Vex” mission successfully demonstrates sustained Mach 7 flight using this fuel source, it could validate hydrogen as a viable fuel for future high-speed logistics and defense platforms, moving the industry away from heavier, dirtier hydrocarbon alternatives.
Furthermore, the reliance on additive manufacturing (3D printing) for the entire airframe suggests a shift toward rapid scalability. Traditional aerospace manufacturing is often slow and tooling-intensive. By printing the vehicle from high-temperature alloys, Hypersonix is attempting to prove that hypersonic vehicles can be produced quickly and at a lower cost, a critical requirement for the “high-cadence” testing sought by the US Defense Innovation Unit.
Hypersonix’s development has been supported by significant capital investment. The company recently closed a $46 million Series A funding round. Investors include the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, the Queensland Investment Corporation, High Tor Capital (UK), and Saab (Sweden). This diverse backing underscores the international interest in the DART AE platform.
Hypersonix Sets Launch Window for Maiden “Cassowary Vex” Hypersonic Mission
Mission Profile: “Cassowary Vex”
Launch Logistics
Technology Spotlight: The SPARTAN Scramjet
Strategic Context and Market Landscape
AirPro News analysis
Financial Backing
Sources
Photo Credit: Hypersonix Launch Systems
Space & Satellites
NASA SpaceX Crew-12 Launches for Eight-Month ISS Mission
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 launched from Cape Canaveral with an international crew for an eight-month ISS mission focusing on medical research and tech demonstrations.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission successfully lifted off early Friday morning, marking the beginning of an eight-month scientific expedition aboard the International Space Station (ISS). According to official reports from the space agency, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched at 5:15 a.m. EST on February 13, 2026, from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The mission carries a diverse international crew of four, including two NASA astronauts, one European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, and one Roscosmos cosmonaut. The crew is traveling aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, which successfully separated from the rocket’s second stage and achieved orbit shortly after launch. NASA confirms the spacecraft is currently executing a series of engine burns to rendezvous with the orbiting laboratory, with docking scheduled for approximately 3:15 p.m. EST on Saturday, February 14.
The Crew-12 team comprises a mix of veteran spacefarers and first-time flyers who will join Expedition 74 aboard the ISS. NASA officials highlighted the specific roles and backgrounds of the four crew members:
During their eight-month stay, the crew will conduct hundreds of experiments designed to prepare humanity for future deep-space exploration, including missions to the Moon and Mars. NASA has outlined several critical research areas for this mission.
A primary focus of the mission involves understanding how the space environment affects human health. One key study will investigate how Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria interact with heart tissue in microgravity. According to mission documentation, bacteria can become more virulent in space, and researchers aim to identify the mechanisms behind potential long-term heart damage caused by respiratory infections.
Additionally, the crew will study fluid shifts and blood flow. This research examines how physical characteristics influence clotting risks during spaceflight, a vital dataset for mitigating health risks on long-duration missions.
The crew is also tasked with testing new life-support technologies. NASA highlights a system designed to generate intravenous (IV) fluids directly from the station’s water supply. This capability is considered critical for future Mars missions, where the logistical burden of carrying large supplies of pre-packaged medical fluids would be impractical.
The launch of Crew-12 represents a continued effort to expand the operational redundancy of commercial spaceflight infrastructure. This mission is only the second human spaceflight to launch from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40). Historically used for cargo and satellite missions, SpaceX upgraded the pad to support crewed launches, providing a backup to the primary pad at Launch Complex 39A. The hardware for this mission also highlights the reusability central to the Commercial Crew Program. The Dragon capsule Freedom is making its return to space, having previously supported the Crew-4, Ax-2, Ax-3, and Crew-9 missions.
The successful utilization of SLC-40 for Crew-12 underscores a maturing commercial space ecosystem. By validating a second launch pad for human missions, NASA and SpaceX have effectively mitigated the risk of single-point ground infrastructure failure. This redundancy is essential for maintaining a continuous human presence on the ISS, especially as the station approaches its final years of operation and traffic to low-Earth orbit increases.
Furthermore, the inclusion of an ESA rookie alongside seasoned NASA and Roscosmos veterans illustrates the continued reliance on the ISS as a diplomatic and cooperative platform. Despite geopolitical tensions on Earth, the integrated crew operations required for Expedition 74 demonstrate that space remains a unique venue for international collaboration.
Crew Profile and Mission Roles
Scientific Objectives for Expedition 74
Medical and Biological Research
Technology Demonstrations
Launch Infrastructure and Hardware
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: NASA
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