Isar Aerospace, a German launch startup, has been awarded a contract to launch a European technology demonstration satellite on its Spectrum rocket in late 2026. The announcement was made on December 1st, with the mission, named ΣYNDEO-3, scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The satellite is part of the European Union’s In-Orbit Demonstration and In-Orbit Validation (IOD/IOV) Program, designed to flight-test innovative spacecraft technologies. This particular mission will feature 10 payloads from five European countries and the European Commission, although specific details about these payloads have not been disclosed. The ESA is responsible for implementing the IOD/IOV program on behalf of the Commission, with funding sourced from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research program.

Redwire Space’s European business unit is constructing the spacecraft, utilizing its Hammerhead satellite bus, which is based on the company’s previous work on ESA’s PROBA missions. The Hammerhead bus has a weight of 175 kilograms and can accommodate payloads weighing up to 120 kilograms. This falls comfortably within the Spectrum rocket’s payload capacity, which is designed to deliver up to one metric ton into orbit.

According to a spokesperson for Isar, the launch contract is not for a dedicated launch, allowing them to include additional payloads. However, the financial details of the award remain confidential.

The ΣYNDEO-3 contract announcement comes shortly after SEOPS, an American payload aggregator, announced its purchase of a Spectrum launch in 2028.

“Our launch manifest is filling rapidly, as our global commercial and institutional customers recognize the value of flexible, cost-effective access to space,” stated Stella Guillen, chief commercial officer of Isar Aerospace, regarding the ΣYNDEO-3 contract.

Isar has made one orbital launch attempt of Spectrum in March, which unfortunately malfunctioned shortly after liftoff. The company attributed the failure to a loss of attitude control, stemming from an inadequate characterization of bending modes experienced during liftoff, this was announced in September.

At that time, Isar Aerospace stated its intention to pursue a second Spectrum launch "as soon as possible" but did not provide a specific date. No further updates have been given regarding the second launch, which, like the first, will take place from Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway.

“We are confident in the capability of Isar Aerospace to ensure a safe and reliable launch, bringing the mission to orbit very soon,” said Patrice Kerhousse, ESA’s IOD/IOV program manager, commenting on the launch contract.