Developed by German start-up Isar Aerospace, the Spectrum rocket, started smoking from its sides after being launched in the air. Isar Aerospace did not expect to reach orbit with the launch. The company further stated that the two-stage rocket crashed into the sea and that "the launch pad appears to be intact.

A test rocket intended to pave the way for satellite launches from Europe crashed and exploded just 40 seconds after liftoff from a Norwegian spaceport on Sunday. The launch was part of an initial test by German startup Isar Aerospace.

A private European aerospace company, Isar Aerospace, is set to launch its Spectrum rocket from Andoya, Norway. This launch will mark the first test flight of the orbital vehicle designed for small and medium satellites.