Esrange celebrates 60 years: taking on growing role in Europe’s space ambitions
As Europe accelerates efforts to strengthen independent, resilient, and responsive space capabilities, Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden marks its 60th anniversary. From its first sounding rocket launch in 1966 to the development of orbital launch capability from mainland Europe, Esrange has become a strategic space asset for Sweden, Europe, and international customers.
On Thursday, September 24, Esrange Space Center will celebrate six decades of space operations, science, and international collaboration. Owned and operated by SSC Space, the center has evolved from a European sounding rocket range into one of Europe’s most comprehensive space centers, supporting scientific research, stratospheric balloon missions, satellite communications, rocket testing, reusable launcher demonstrations, and preparations for orbital launch operations.
Today, Esrange combines capabilities few places in Europe can offer in one location. Its Arctic position, vast impact and recovery area, long track record in science missions, and expanding launch infrastructure make it increasingly relevant at a time when access to space, security, resilience, and technological independence are high on the European agenda.
The story of Esrange began in the early 1960s, when the European Space Research Organization, the predecessor of the European Space Agency, identified northern Sweden as an ideal location for atmospheric and space research. Located above the Arctic Circle, in the auroral zone and surrounded by a sparsely populated recovery area, Esrange offered unique conditions for sounding rocket launches and scientific experiments. Construction began in 1964, and the first rocket was launched from Esrange on November 20, 1966. SSC Space took ownership of the range in 1972.
Since then, Esrange has served customers and researchers from Sweden, Europe, and around the world. More than 600 sounding rockets have been launched, supporting microgravity research, atmospheric studies, aurora science, and technology demonstrations. And the first high-altitude balloon launch in 1974 opened another important field of activity, enabling astronomy, climate research, and technology validation. Over the following decades, Esrange has also become a key hub in SSC Space’s global ground station network, supporting satellite and spacecraft missions across science, security, Earth observation, and exploration.
In recent years, Esrange has broadened its portfolio even further, establishing testbed facilities to support some of Europe’s most ambitious rocket development programs – such as Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket engine tests leading up to their successful orbital launch recently, or the Themis reusable launch vehicle demonstrations. And in 2028, SSC Space and Firefly Aerospace will begin orbital launch operations from the base, further strengthening Europe’s launch capabilities.
“For 60 years, Esrange has turned bold ideas into real missions – from scientific experiments above the Arctic Circle to technologies that are now shaping Europe’s future in space. What makes Esrange unique is not only its heritage, but its growing strategic importance. As Europe strengthens its need for secure, resilient, and responsive space capabilities, Esrange is ready to play an even greater role,” said Lennart Poromaa, Head of Esrange Space Center, SSC Space.
Esrange Space Center in brief
Established in 1966 outside Kiruna, Sweden
Owned and operated by SSC Space since 1972
More than 600 sounding rockets and 700 high-altitude balloons launched
Supports sounding rockets, stratospheric balloon missions, rocket testing, satellite communications, and scientific research
Part of SSC Space’s global ground station network
More than 40 antennas at the base which communicate daily with satellites in orbit
Preparing for orbital launch operations from mainland Europe
