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Isar Aerospace is set for the second launch of its Spectrum rocket from Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway. This mission, named Onward and Upward, aims to validate critical systems of the rocket under operational conditions.

Spectrum, measuring 28 meters in length and 2 meters in width, features two stages powered by liquid propane and oxygen, capable of placing up to 1,000 kilograms in low Earth orbit or 700 kilograms in sun-synchronous orbit. The first launch attempt failed due to a purging valve opening unexpectedly, leading to a loss of attitude control and the activation of the self-destruct mechanism. The mission is supported by the European Space Agency's Boost! program, which aids commercial space transportation initiatives.