Sweden formalises Esrange launch plan with new contract

Sweden has signed an agreement to establish satellite launch capability from Esrange Space Center through a contract between the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and SSC Space. 

The agreement is valued at approximately 19 million euro and is intended to enable the Swedish Armed Forces to place satellites into orbit. The capability is planned to be operational in 2028.

The contract covers systems and infrastructure required to support satellite launches from Esrange, including measures to ensure protection, availability and execution of launches for Swedish, partner and allied satellites.

Esrange Space Center, operated by SSC Space, has historically been used for sounding rockets and research missions. The agreement supports the continued development of the site’s launch-related infrastructure.

Part of a national space investment

FMV describes the agreement as a step towards establishing Swedish satellite launch capability.

- This is an important step in establishing Swedish satellite launch capability. The ability to place satellites into orbit strengthens Sweden’s position as a space nation, said Carl-Fredrik Edström, head of FMV’s air and space domain.

The contract forms part of a broader Swedish government initiative to develop national space capabilities. 

The government has announced an investment of approximately 93 million euro for the period to 2032 to strengthen capabilities including space situational awareness, infrastructure at Esrange and satellite launch capacity.

An earlier agreement between FMV and SSC Space, signed in December 2024, established the initial framework for the programme. The current contract represents the next phase, focusing on implementation of systems and infrastructure.

FMV states that national satellite launch capability is intended to provide increased access to the space domain for both the Swedish Armed Forces and commercial actors.