On 18 September, SSC welcomed the European Parliament’s ITRE Committee to Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden. In focus of the visit was the versatile capabilities of Esrange, making the base a strategic asset for Europe by offering the potential of a more competitive and independent European space industry.
The EU’s committee on Industry, Research and Energy topics (ITRE) is one of the two largest committees of the European Parliament. Legislating on several key policy areas of the EU, ITRE is responsible for energy, research and innovation, industry and SMEs, digital, telecoms and cybersecurity, as well as European Space Policy. 13 of its 90 members were part of the delegation visiting Esrange on this occasion.
“Space is truly a European story. Our visit today at the Esrange Space Center in Sweden underlines how much Europe’s space ambitions rely on the mobilization of regions and talented teams across our Union. Esrange is not only a national asset for Sweden, but a European facility, contributing to our collective capacity to act in space,” said Mr. Christophe Grudler from Renew Europe, Head of ITRE committee delegation of the European Parliament.
“This visit is particularly special as we witness the Themis prototype — Europe’s first large reusable launcher prototype. Preparing for its first hop tests, Themis shows that Europe can rise to the challenge of reusable launchers, a technology that is reshaping global competition in space. Success here would be a milestone for Europe’s strategic autonomy and industrial leadership”.
During their visit to Esrange, the delegation was shown around the different facilities at Esrange, showcasing the base’s versatile range of operations and capabilities:
Satellite launch capabilities
Establishment is currently ongoing to make Esrange a launch site for sun-synchronous and polar orbit satellite missions. Together with Firefly Aerospace and their flight-proven Alpha rocket, SSC aims to be a leading provider of orbital launches.
Reuse demonstration: Themis hop-tests
Esrange will be home to the initial tests of Europe’s first reusable launcher Themis. Beginning with low-altitude “hop tests” and soft landing at its dedicated launchpad, the project is an important part of Europe’s investment in its future space capabilities.
Engine-testing Europe’s next generation rockets
At several testbed facilities inside Esrange, leading European rocket companies are conducting engine hardware and propulsion system tests, part of the development of a new generation of orbital rockets for future satellite launch missions.
Global ground station network
Being the node in the world’s second largest commercial network of ground stations, Esrange is the heart of SSC’s ground segment operations. Supporting everything from satellite deployment to deep-space missions, the antennas can assist throughout the spacecraft’s full life-cycle.
Microgravity and stratospheric research
Since the 70’s, SSC has launched more than 1,200 sounding rockets and stratospheric balloons from Esrange, and developed over 100 scientific experiments and payloads. By giving researchers and scientists access to microgravity, SSC is a key part in utilizing space for the benefit of our society on Earth.
Accompanying the main delegation were also representatives from the European Space Agency – ESA, the Salto consortium, ArianeGroup, as well as the Norrbotten Region.
