OSLO — German startup Isar Aerospace on Sunday said it would rapidly expand satellite deployments after the first orbital launch of its Spectrum rocket from Arctic Norway, a milestone for Europe's efforts to secure independent access to space. The uncrewed Spectrum became the first commercial rocket to reach orbit from continental Europe, marking a breakthrough for a region where several countries are seeking a foothold in the fast-growing market for satellite launches. "Launch capability is right now the biggest bottleneck in the entire industry," Isar co-founder and CEO Daniel Metzler told reporters. He said privately owned Isar remains well-funded and that an initial public offering "is not on the table." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hailed Saturday's launch in a statement, calling it "the beginning of a new era." Merz visited Isar's launch site in March, underscoring Europe's efforts to establish greater autonomy as the global order once championed by the United States is shifting under U.S. President Donald Trump. Security in 'turbulent times' Blasting off from Norway's Arctic An