Europe’s first satellite launch complex to be inaugurated in northern Sweden – SatNews
On 13 January 2023, the Swedish head of state, King Carl XVI Gustaftogether with European and Swedish political dignitaries, will visit Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden to cut the ribbon for a new spaceport that will significantly reshape the European space landscape.
After years of preparation and construction, mainland Europe’s first orbital launch complex, Spaceport Esrange, will be inaugurated. The event will take place in the city Kiruna in connection with Sweden taking over The Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
For Europe, the new orbital launch facility at Esrange is a long-awaited critical asset. Today, ten countries in the world have the opportunity to launch satellites. Spaceport Esrange will offer an independent European gateway to space, complementing and strengthening current European capabilities in French Guiana.
The convenience of everyday connectivity and the importance of information about the changes our planet is undergoing mean that more satellites will be needed in the future. Around 10,000 new satellites are expected to be launched in the next few years, and by 2040 the total number of satellites could reach 100,000 – compared to the 5,000 satellites in operation today.
As well as launching satellites into orbit, Spaceport Esrange will host tests of Europe’s reusable rocket initiative – ESA’s Themis program led by ArianeGroup. Themis reusable space launch demonstrator will begin testing at Spaceport Esrange in 2023, starting with first stage tests aimed at achieving vehicle lift and recovery – known as “hop test.” The development takes place within the framework of EU-financed Somersault project. The launch facility will also host suborbital test launches of several next-generation rockets.
As Spaceport Esrange nears its inauguration, satellite owners and orbital rocket manufacturers are lining up as potential partners for future launches and reusability tests. The first satellite launch is expected in late 2023. The launch event will be broadcast live by the SSC.
“This new launch complex will help create a foundation for a resilient Europe in space. New constellations of satellites in orbit, responsive launch capabilities and development of reusable rockets will enable a secure, competitive and sustainable Europe. This will make Europe stronger“, said Stefan Gardefjord, CEO of SSC. “This is a big step for SSC, for Sweden, for Europe and the rest of the world. Satellites are essential to many functions of daily life in today’s modern world, and the need for them will only increase in the coming years as space plays an even more important role.”
The Swedish Space Corporation helps the Earth benefit from space. Since the 70s, SSC has helped space agencies, companies, other commercial actors and research institutes gain access to Space. Our products and services enable successful space projects in Earth observation, telecommunications, security, meteorology, navigation and positioning, scientific research and other applications. Through our local presence on all continents and more than 600 dedicated employees, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications, spacecraft, rocket and balloon systems, launch services, flight test services and data analysis. Among our strongest assets is the Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden, which will be the first to launch satellites from continental Europe in 2023, as well as one of the world’s largest commercial ground station networks for satellite communications. Through our subsidiary GlobalTrust, we also use satellite data and analytics applications to help companies, organizations and governments develop and deliver sustainability strategies. www.sscspace.com | Media Pack