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 missions.

One of the world's most versatile space centers

Esrange, 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.

There are also infrastructure for rocket tests, engine and fuel tests, and in 2023 the launch site for satellite launches were inaugurated.

In addition, Esrange 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.

Strategic location

Esrange is located in the very north of Sweden, above the Arctic Circle (68°N, 21°E). It is one of the world’s most versatile space centers. With access to a vast, unpopulated impact- and recovery area as well as facilities for satellite launches and rocket engine testing.

In short, Esrange is a multi-functional, future-forward Space Center that plays a key role in European and global Space research and technology development.

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

At Esrange, we have 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.

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 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 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.

White antenna with a colorful winter landscape.

Esrange Satellite Station

Particularly advantageous for accessing polar orbiting satellites

The Esrange Satellite 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.

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.