As European leaders criticize U.S. policy and rattle sabers at Russia, their latest attempt to show technological independence ended in a fiery embarrassment. A German-built rocket meant to mark a new era in European space power crashed into the sea moments after liftoff Sunday.

The Spectrum rocket, developed by Germany’s Isar Aerospace, launched from Norway’s Andoya Spaceport. Within 40 seconds, it spun off course and exploded over the Arctic waters. Despite the failure, the company declared the test a success and praised the data collected during 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

Spectrum was supposed to showcase Europe’s ability to launch satellites without relying on Russia or U.S. launchpads. Instead, it highlighted just how far behind the continent remains in space technology. Europe has long depended on foreign spaceports, mostly in South America and Florida, even as it claims to be a leader on the global stage.

Isar’s CEO Daniel Metzler framed the test positively, stating that “every second we fly is good because we collect data.” He added that “no company has yet managed to put its first orbital launch vehicle into orbit.” That’s a stark contrast to U.S. firms like SpaceX, which have routinely sent rockets into space with payloads on board.

😂 Europeans are adorable

— The Blue State Refugee (@TheMigrantKing) March 30, 2025

The 92-foot rocket wasn’t even carrying a satellite — it was empty. And while Europe celebrated the launch as a first for the continent, it ended just a few seconds after it began, with smoke trailing from the sides before the vehicle plunged back to Earth.

This effort was privately funded, unlike most past European missions supported by the European Space Agency. ESA itself relies on French Guiana, a South American territory, for its main launch operations. In short, even when Europe reaches orbit, it often does so from soil far outside its borders.

A similar attempt by Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit in 2023 also failed to reach orbit. That company later folded.

The launch was delayed multiple times due to weather, and expectations had been low. Still, officials claimed it was a meaningful step forward — even if the rocket never left Earth’s atmosphere.