Sweden opens Europe’s first satellite launch port
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (L) watches European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen give a speech at the inauguration of spaceport Esrange’s new satellite launch pad outside Kiruna, Sweden on Friday. Photo by Jonas Ekstroemer/EPA-EFE
Jan. 13 (UPI) — Sweden inaugurated and officially opened Europe’s first space facility for satellite launches on Friday.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and the King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf cut the ribbon in Kiruna city, about 25 miles from the new Spaceport Esrange.
The event was timed to coincide with Sweden taking over as manager of Council of the European Union.
The facility in northern Sweden gives the EU the opportunity to launch satellites, something that only about 10 countries previously had the opportunity to do.
“This spaceport offers an independent European gateway to space. It is exactly the infrastructure we need, not only to continue to innovate but also to further explore the final frontier,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during the inauguration.
Spaceport Esrange is operated by the state-owned Swedish Space Agency, which already operates 10 ground stations strategically placed around the world for optimal coverage, plus eight complementary partner stations.
The company expects about 10,000 new satellites to be launched globally in the next few years, with the total eclipsing 100,000 by 2040. There are about 5,000 operational satellites in orbit today.
The new facility gives Sweden and the rest of the EU better access to the growing world. It will also host tests of Europe’s Reusable Rocket Initiative, the European Space Agency’s Themis program led by ArianeGroup, as well as suborbital test launches of several next-generation rockets.
“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,” SSC’s CEO Stefan Gardefjord says so in a statement.
“This is a big step for SSC, for Sweden, for Europe and the rest of the world. Satellites are essential for many everyday functions in today’s modern world, and the need for them will only increase in the coming years. Space plays an even more important role.”
The first satellite launch is expected to be launched by the end of the year.
“This leading spaceport gives Europe opportunities to meet this growing demand. The benefits of small satellites, which can be launched from here, are enormous. We have just heard that it is important to launch these satellites over and over again, to have the reusability, to test them,” von der Leyen said on Friday.