Sweden secures largest-ever satellite contract

The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded OHB Sweden a contract to build 20 small satellites for the EUMETSAT Polar System – Sterna (EPS-Sterna).

The contract, worth 248 million euro, was signed on 18 March, the company said in a press release.

According to OHB Sweden, EPS-Sterna represents the largest satellite contract in Swedish history, positioning the company more prominently within Europe’s expanding New Space sector.

- The contract represents an important milestone for OHB Sweden and for the wider Swedish space community, said Fredrik Sjöberg, managing director of OHB Sweden.

Arctic Weather Satellite

Based in Kista, OHB Sweden provides satellite systems, propulsion systems and mission solutions, specialising in advanced small satellite platforms and rapid, high-performance mission delivery.

The company has a strong heritage in Earth observation missions and is positioned within Europe’s evolving New Space landscape.

Building on the Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS), OHB Sweden will extend its work to a full operational constellation.

The first six satellites are scheduled for construction and launch in 2029 to initiate the constellation. The remaining 14 satellites are intended as in-orbit replacements over time.

Long-term

The programme is expected to generate long-term industrial activity in Sweden, involving national partners such as AAC Omnisys, a subsidiary of AAC Clyde Space, which will supply the mission’s meteorological payload: a microwave radiometer developed in Gothenburg.

The project is also expected to support skilled engineering roles for more than a decade, contributing to Sweden’s broader space sector.

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

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