Esrange is located in the very north of Sweden, above the Arctic Circle (68°N, 21°E) and has access to a vast, unpopulated impact and recovery area as well as facilities for satellite launches and rocket engine testing.
The world's most versatile space center
Esrange, owned and operated by Swedish Space Corporation, SSC, has been operational since 1966. It is presently 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. There are also infrastructure that offers reusable rocket tests, engine and fuel tests, and satellite launches, making it the first site in mainland EU with orbital launch capability.
Esrange also accommodates one of the world’s largest civilian satellite ground stations and acts as a hub in our satellite station network.
Esrange
Satellite Launch
Your European launch provider for small satellites
Inaugurated in 2023, Spaceport Esrange is the first European launch capability for small satellites, providing a state-of-the art service at Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden, with full launch capabilities for standardized polar orbits. We have the launch site, the rocket partner and experienced staff who’ll take care of all your needs. Make SSC your launch provider for small satellites.
With financial support from Region Norrbotten and Kiruna Municipality.
Stratospheric Balloons
Helping your mission to reach new heights
SSC offers a comprehensive range of stratospheric balloon services tailored to meet all your research needs. Since 1974, we have successfully launched over 600 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.
Testbed
Testing future European rocket technology
The state-of-the-art testbed at SSC’s 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.
Autonomous systems
SSC provides support for autonomous system missions at the Esrange facility.
The support includes flight-testing new vehicles, sensor trials, and operator training.
By using its 6 600 km² restricted airspace – GND to UNL – Esrange provides one of the largest areas in Europe to fly UAS and drones.
Ground instruments
SSC 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-owned instruments at the facility.
Esrange Users Handbook
Summarizes policies and procedures for facility use and provides a description of the range capabilities to users.
Safety information
Mainly for anyone who resides in the Esrange area, Kiruna, Sweden.
Esrange Safety Manual
For all contractors, experimenters, range users and SSC personnel.
Watch one of our SubOrbital Express rocket missions from Esrange Space Center