Launch scheduled for the second half of 2026As of January 2026, ElevationSpace Inc. (CEO: Ryohei Kobayashi) and Isar Aerospace (ISAR) (CEO: Daniel Metzler), a German-based satellite launch service provider, have signed a launch service agreement. ElevationSpace is currently developing a cutting-edge space environment utilization platform that can return to Earth after demonstrations and experiments in space. This agreement secures ElevationSpace's launch opportunity for its first demonstration spacecraft, AOBA, which is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2026.Isar Aerospace was founded in 2018 and has since developed the ‘Spectrum’ launch vehicle fully in-house. ‘Spectrum’ is capable of carrying a payload of approximately 1,000kg to low Earth orbit (LEO) and has already won a series of launch contracts from companies such as Airbus Defense and Space, Exotrail, D-Orbit and others. Isar Aerospace closed Series C extension in June 2024, which brings their total funding to more than EUR 400m to date, thus making it the best capitalized independent New Space company in Europe. Isar Aerospace recently completed static-fire tests of both stages of ‘Spectrum’ and is now beginning for its final preparations for the first test flight from Andøya SpacePort, following approval and licensing from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.ElevationSpace visited Isar Aerospace's production site and was convinced by their advanced technological capabilities and reliability, showcased through their highly automated and vertically integrated production process. Isar Aerospace’s ability to directly inject “AOBA” into the target orbit and their flexible launch scheduling were crucial factors in ElevationSpace's decision to sign the agreement."AOBA, which is based on Japan's wealth of small spacecraft re-entry technology, will be the first step towards the commercialization of LEO and the building of an on-orbit transportation network," says Ryohei Kobayashi, CEO of ElevationSpace. "We are delighted to be working with Isar Aerospace, a leader in European space development, on the launch of AOBA. Through this collaboration, we will accelerate the provision of services to users in Europe and also worldwide."“Access to space is essential for unlocking technological progress. We're excited to partner with ElevationSpace, a leading innovator in the Asian market, to drive the future of cutting-edge space research” says Stella Guillen, Chief Commercial Officer at Isar Aerospace. About ElevationSpace:ElevationSpace is a space startup with the vision of "Building an on-orbit transportation network." In collaboration with Tohoku University and JAXA, ElevationSpace is leveraging Japan's world-class re-entry technology to develop a space transportation service that facilitates the return of goods from space to Earth. The company is focused on creating small spacecraft capable of transporting items that have been experimented on, developed, and manufactured in the microgravity environment back to Earth. More information: https://elevation-space.com/The International Space Station (ISS), which has been used for a wide range of purposes from basic scientific experiments to industrial applications, has been scheduled to cease operation at the end of 2030 due to structural lifespan and other factors, and securing a continuous "place" for utilizing the space environment has become an issue.With an eye on the "post-ISS era," ElevationSpace aims to provide a space environment utilization platform called "ELS-R." "ELS-R" is the first service of its kind in Japan to use an unmanned small satellite to conduct experiments and demonstrations that take advantage of the zero-gravity environment, and then return it to Earth and to customers.Concept movie showing the image of the "ELS-R" servicehttps://youtu.be/2mGXSDvdIAbout ISAR Aerospace: The European space company Isar Aerospace develops, builds and operates launch vehicles for transporting small and medium-sized satellites as well as satellite constellations into Earth’s orbit, with the mission of opening space for future generations. Headquartered near Munich, Germany, Isar Aerospace was founded in 2018 and has grown to over 400 employees from more than 50 nations, working across 5 international locations. More than EUR 400m in total funding from international investors provides strong backing for the company’s pioneering approach to scale and industrialize launch vehicle production through vertical integration. Isar Aerospace’s two-stage orbital launch vehicle “Spectrum” is specifically designed for satellite constellation deployment, enabling access to one of the most critical technological platforms: space. More information: www.isaraerospace.com