A first-of-its-kind European rocket launch ended in the Norwegian Sea when Isar Aerospace's unmanned rocket exploded just 40 seconds after takeoff.

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.