The Swedish Defense Forces will gain the capability to launch their own satellites into orbit from the Esrange Space Center in Norrbotten, according to a new agreement announced this week. The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a 209 million kronor contract with state-owned space company SSC to establish satellite launch capability from the northern Swedish space facility.
The agreement covers systems and infrastructure to ensure protection, availability, and execution of satellite launches for the Swedish Armed Forces as well as their partners and allies. "This agreement is an important step in the development of Sweden's and Europe's space capability," said Charlotta Sund, CEO of SSC Space. "By building up a national satellite launch capability from Esrange, we strengthen both Sweden's and Europe's access to space."
By building up a national satellite launch capacity from Esrange, we strengthen both Sweden's and Europe's access to space
The investment is part of the government's 2023 decision to allocate approximately one billion kronor to the Swedish Armed Forces until 2032 to develop Sweden's space capabilities. This includes improved space situational awareness, expansion of infrastructure at Esrange in cooperation with SSC Space, and the possibility for the Swedish Armed Forces to conduct multiple satellite launches.
"We aim to launch the first satellites in 2028," said Lennart Poromaa, site manager at Esrange. The development represents a significant expansion of Sweden's independent space capabilities and positions Esrange as a key European launch site for defense and security-related space missions.