The move is part of a broader government initiative, announced on 4 October 2024, allocating approximately one billion SEK to enhance the Swedish Armed Forces’ space operations through 2032. This investment aims to improve space situational awareness, expand Esrange’s infrastructure, and enable the Armed Forces to conduct multiple satellite launches.
“This is an important step in our effort to establish a leading capability to launch satellites from mainland Europe,” said Charlotta Sund, CEO of SSC. She added, “This will be of great significance for Sweden, as well as for NATO and Europe.”
The collaboration between FMV and SSC is the initial phase of this initiative, focusing on the development of satellite launch infrastructure at Esrange. This capability is expected to strengthen Sweden’s control over the space domain and ensure greater resilience in the services satellites provide to the Swedish Armed Forces.
Esrange Space Center, located in northern Sweden, is poised to become a key hub for satellite launches in Europe. This project highlights Sweden’s commitment to enhancing its strategic presence in space while contributing to European and NATO space capabilities.
