WASHINGTON - Isar Aerospace has snagged a contract to launch a Planet Labs Germany imaging satellite, because nothing says 'sovereign space capability' like outsourcing your launch to Norway. The deal, announced July 2, involves a Pelican high-resolution imaging satellite hitching a ride on a Spectrum rocket from Andøya Spaceport in Norway, possibly as soon as late 2026. The contract includes options for additional launches, all aimed at proving that German companies can indeed build and launch spacecraft - a concept that apparently required a formal demonstration.

“Germany has set out an ambitious space agenda,” said Martin Polak, managing director of Planet Labs Germany, in a statement. “Planet and Isar Aerospace are responding to the moment and delivering a first for the country: both satellite and rocket built in Germany.” The German government last September pledged 35 billion euros ($40 billion) for military space over five years, and companies are now scrambling to show they can actually deliver. Polak added that the launch is meant to showcase “our agile aerospace approach” - because nothing says agile like a rocket that's been delayed multiple times.

The contract announcement was notably mum on the status of the Spectrum rocket itself. Isar Aerospace planned a second flight in January 2025 after the first one failed shortly after liftoff in March 2025. Technical issues and a range violation then scrubbed a March attempt. In June, Isar announced a new funding round of 270 million euros and a launch window between June 15 and 21, but called off a June 15 attempt hours before liftoff due to “off-nominal behavior in the vehicle’s fluid systems.” The company has not announced a new launch date - but hey, they have a contract, so that's progress.