Europe’s long-delayed venture into orbital rocket launches ended in flames this week when a German-built rocket failed less than a minute into its maiden flight. The failed launch highlighted the region’s ongoing reliance on the United States for real progress in space exploration.
The rocket, developed by Isar Aerospace, lifted off from a Norwegian site before crashing into the Arctic waters just 40 seconds later. It marked the first attempt by a private European company to conduct an orbital launch from within the continent — and the result was far from what officials hoped.
Europe: “Trump is bad—we don't need America anymore”
Also Europe trying to launch its first orbital rocket 👇🏻🤦🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/ZOdwn4JWZH
— Majority Unsilenced (@MajUnsilenced) March 30, 2025
Isar’s CEO Daniel Metzler still praised the flight, calling it a “great success” due to data collection and system testing. The company said they did not expect to reach orbit and saw value in the brief flight.
Europe: “Trump is bad—we don't need America anymore”
Also Europe trying to launch its first orbital rocket 👇🏻🤦🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/ZOdwn4JWZH
— Majority Unsilenced (@MajUnsilenced) March 30, 2025
Even so, the incident stood in sharp contrast to the success of American space programs. U.S. firms continue to dominate global launches, with hundreds of successful missions and cutting-edge technology like reusable boosters and deep-space planning.
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Europe, by contrast, continues to depend on foreign launchpads. Even the European Space Agency still operates primarily out of French Guiana in South America and Cape Canaveral in Florida.
The 92-foot rocket was not loaded with cargo and had been described as a test to validate systems. It had suffered multiple launch delays due to weather leading up to the final attempt.
Sunday’s incident follows a string of failed or stalled European projects, including Virgin Orbit’s attempt to launch from the U.K. in 2023. That mission also failed and contributed to the company’s collapse.
Officials at Isar said the launch pad appeared to be undamaged, and more tests are likely to follow. For now, the images of a European rocket spinning into the sea have reinforced the continent’s continued dependence on American innovation.
