German rocket startup Isar Aerospace announced on July 2 that it has signed a contract with Planet Labs Germany to launch a Pelican high-resolution imaging satellite aboard its Spectrum rocket. The launch is planned within the next year, potentially as early as late 2026, from Andøya Spaceport in Norway.

The deal, which includes options for additional launches, is designed to demonstrate Germany's ability to build and launch spacecraft end-to-end -- part of a broader push across Germany and Europe to develop sovereign space capabilities. Isar builds its rockets at its Munich headquarters, while Planet is establishing a Pelican production line in Berlin.

"Germany has set out an ambitious space agenda. Planet and Isar Aerospace are responding to the moment and delivering a first for the country: both satellite and rocket built in Germany," said Martin Polak, managing director of Planet Labs Germany.

The German government announced last September its intent to spend 35 billion euros ($40 billion) on military space over the next five years, prompting companies across Germany and Europe to position for the opportunity.

The contract announcement, however, came without an update on Spectrum's flight status. Isar had planned the rocket's second flight for January, after the first flight in March 2025 failed shortly after liftoff. Technical issues and a range violation have repeatedly delayed the attempt. A June 9 funding round announcement had set a new launch window for June 15-21, but the June 15 attempt was called off hours before liftoff due to "off-nominal behavior in the vehicle's fluid systems." No new launch date has been announced.

"This collaboration underscores the strength and growing strategic importance of the German and European space ecosystem," said Stella Guillen, chief commercial officer of Isar Aerospace. "Europe now has an unparalleled opportunity to leverage this ecosystem to build resilient space capabilities and unlock its potential for security and economic growth."

Isar Aerospace is backed by ESA's Boost! program and was selected in 2025 for the European Launcher Challenge, which requires participants to achieve a successful orbital launch by 2027.

Further Reading

https://spacenews.com/isar-aerospace-to-launch-german-built-planet-imaging-satellite/