Esrange Space Center

The world's most versatile space center

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.

The world's most versatile space center

Esrange, owned and operated by SSC, has been operational since 1966. It is presently used by the international scientific community for launching sounding rockets for microgravity and atmospheric research as well as high altitude balloons for astronomy, atmospheric research and drop tests of space and aerial vehicles. A new infrastructure also offers reusable rocket tests, engine and fuel tests, as well as launches of satellites, making it the first site on EU territory 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

SPIDER/LEEWAVES rocket module/payload. February 2016.

Satellite Launch

Your European launch provider for small satellites

From 2023, SSC SmallSat Express is the new 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 Esrange and SmallSat Express your launch provider for small satellites.

With financial support from Region Norrbotten and Kiruna Municipality.

Sounding Rockets

Rapid access to Space and back

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

Stratospheric Balloons

Helping your mission to reach new heights

SSC has a complete range of stratospheric balloon services for all your research needs. We’ve launched more than 600 stratospheric balloons since 1974, with payloads of several tons to near-space altitudes above 40 kilometers and flight times from just a couple of hours up to two weeks. Use our facilities at Esrange or we can come to you. Whether it’s atmospheric research, astronomy or technical tests of re-entry capsules and unmanned vehicles, we’ll help your research to reach 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. Testbed Esrange is your site for testing future European rocket technology.

Esrange Satellite Station

Particularly advantageous for accessing polar orbiting satellites

The Esrange Space Center 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.

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 an ideal location to place scientific ground instruments. We also use several SSC-owned instruments at the facility.