Esrange Space Center

Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden has a unique and strategic position on the global space market due to its extensive infrastructure, versatile capabilities and access to a large landing area for rocket- and balloon missions.

One of the world's most versatile space centers

Esrange Space Center, owned and operated by SSC Space has been operational since 1966. For 60 years the base has been used by the international scientific community for launching sounding rockets conducting microgravity- and atmospheric research as well as high altitude balloons for astronomy, atmospheric research and drop tests of space- and aerial vehicles.

The geographic location and favourable weather conditions at Esrange provide excellent conditions for conducting space missions and rocket launches throughout the year – winter, spring, summer and fall.

There are also infrastructure for rocket tests, engine and fuel tests, and in 2023 the launch site for satellite launches were inaugurated – with a first satellite launch in 2028. Esrange also acts as a hub in our global ground station network and accommodates one of the world’s largest civilian ground stations for telemetry, tracking, and data reception from satellites.

Esrange Space Center

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Strategic location

Esrange is located in the very north of Sweden, above the Arctic Circle (68°N, 21°E). Its high-latitude location makes it an ideal site for satellite communications with satellites in polar orbit, enabling frequent contacts and efficient data transfer.

Together with a large unpopulated landing area and launching capabilities, Esrange is a multi-functional space center that plays a key role in European and global space research and technology development.

 

View of Esrange Space Center
SPIDER 2 launch

Sounding Rockets

Rapid access to Space and back

SSC Space provides support for sounding rocket missions with the facilities at Esrange Space Center. This includes providing complete solutions ranging from only using the site for launches with customer personnel, to the provision of flight tickets or ride share on one of the sounding rockets launched by SSC Space.

Sounding Rockets

Satellite Launch

Your European launch provider for small satellites

Esrange has a launch site with capability for small satellites for standardized polar orbits.

Our satellite launch services will offer full launch capabilities for typical high-inclination orbits – and a wide range of services to both the scientific community, commercial customers, and the defense industry.

Supported by our global ground station network, this service can be complemented by space-to-ground services.

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Rocket launching animation
Stratospheric balloon launch from Esrange

Stratospheric Balloons

Helping your mission to reach new heights

SSC Space offers a comprehensive range of stratospheric balloon services tailored to meet all your research needs. Since 1974, we have successfully launched over 700 stratospheric balloons, carrying payloads of several tons to near-space altitudes exceeding 45 kilometers. Our flight durations range from just a few hours to up to two weeks.

You can utilize our facilities at Esrange, or our experienced team can come to you for the launch. Whether your focus is on atmospheric research, astronomy, or technical tests of re-entry capsules and unmanned vehicles, we are here to elevate your research to new heights.

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Testbed

Testing future European rocket technology

The state-of-the-art testbed at Esrange Space Center gives you access to Europe’s first testing facility for reusable, sustainable and cost-effective rocket technology. We can also help you with test firing of solid and liquid rocket motors, trialing exploration vehicles and systems, and testing engines fueled by sustainable propellants. The testbeds at Esrange are your site for testing future European rocket technology.

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A rocket engine being tested
White antenna with a colorful winter landscape.

Esrange Ground Station

Particularly advantageous for accessing polar orbiting satellites

The Esrange Ground Station includes six independent Telemetry Tracking & Command (TT&C) systems in S-Band (one with receive capability also in the UHF-Band), six multi-frequency receive antenna systems in S/X-Band and an operational building which houses reception system electronics and data processing equipment.

Esrange Space Center is manned 24/7 and has abundant space available for antenna and equipment expansion to accommodate our growing customer base.

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A lidar beam at Esrange in a night sky with aurora

Ground instruments

SSC Space provides support for scientific ground instruments at the Esrange facility.

A special observation site, KEOPS (Kiruna Esrange Optical Platform Site), located on a hill on the Esrange premises, is the ideal location to place scientific ground instruments. We also use several SSC Space-owned instruments at the facility.

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Grapics of Sweden's outline on a map
60
Years of experience
Rocket graphics
610+
Rockets launched
Balloon
700+
Balloons launched
Icon showing two illustrated rockets with an illustrated engineer in the middle
100+
Experiment modules developed
rocket

SubOrbital Express

SubOrbital Express provides researchers, scientists and commercial companies with quick and easy shared-ride access to near-space microgravity conditions.

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Rockets illustration

Safety information

Mainly for anyone who resides in the Esrange area, Kiruna, Sweden.

Safety information
Rockets illustration

Rocket and balloon activities

A list of most of our launch missions.

Rocket and Balloon Activities
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Esrange Safety Manual

For all contractors, experimenters, range users and SSC Space personnel.

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Questions & Answers

What services are offered at Esrange Space Center?

Esrange Space Center is the most versatile space center in the world. Esrange offers suborbital and orbital rocket launches, stratospheric balloon flights, drop tests, rocket motor tests, reusable rocket tests, UAV tests as well as different ground-based scientific instruments. We also have student programs in cooperation with different space organizations, welcoming up to 100 students to the base every year.

Esrange Space Center is a critical asset for the European space industry because it provides Europe with launch, testing, and satellite operations capabilities from a strategically located Arctic site. Its unique access to polar and sun-synchronous orbits, combined with extensive ground station infrastructure, supports everything from Earth observation and climate monitoring to commercial and governmental space missions.

Yes, Esrange Space Center supports global customers and partners across commercial, institutional, and governmental missions.

Esrange is one of the most versatile space centers with extensive heritage, flexible operations, and combined capabilities for testing, launch, and satellite services in one location. In addition, orbital launch capabilities are being established. Esrange is easy to access via air, road, rail and sea.

Esrange is expanding its role as a European space center by developing orbital launch capabilities and supporting the growing demand for space infrastructure and satellite launch services in Europe.

Esrange benefits from favorable weather conditions, including dry air, stable atmospheric conditions, and a high number of launch opportunities. Combined with its remote location and large, sparsely populated impact areas, these conditions help enable safe, reliable, and efficient space missions and rocket launches.

Photo taken at night with fir trees in the foreground and starry sky with northern lights in the background.

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