Sweden celebrates mainland EU’s first orbital launch site in Kiruna — Spaceport Esrange — ready for satellite launches – SatNews
After years of preparation and construction, the EU’s first orbital launch complex, Spaceport Esrange, was officially inaugurated today by the Swedish Head of State, King Carl XVI Gustaf; European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen; and Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. In doing so, the European Union introduced a new and long-awaited critical access to its shared space infrastructure, offering an independent European gateway to space from northernmost Sweden.
“Security, competitiveness, sustainability and our democratic values are the key to a stronger Europe and a better world. Space enables them all. With Spaceport Esrange, the EU gains a strategic asset that provides independent access to space. This will be decisive for reaching the EU and UN sustainability goals as well as strategies in security and defence, said Anna Kinberg Batra, chairman of the board of the Swedish Space Agency, SSC.
“The important work you have done here for many years is a shining example of the enormous potential of space-based research to truly improve our daily lives.” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
“This is unique. It is the first facility of its kind in mainland Europe, and I know it has been made possible through teamwork with trusted international partners,” said Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Sweden.
“Kiruna is already one of Europe’s strategic gateways to space. And the new launch complex at Esrange is a critical asset that will strengthen Europe’s ability to launch satellites and improve our space competitiveness. I am sure that this spaceport will strengthen Sweden’s active role in space, involved in many of ESA’s flagship projects and through our ground station here in Kiruna,” said Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency, ESA.
First to begin operations at Spaceport Esrange is Europe’s reusable rocket initiative – the Themis program – commissioned by the European Space Agency ESA and led by ArianeGroup. Themis will begin tests of its reusable space rocket demonstrator at the complex in 2023. Meanwhile, SSC is in advanced discussions with several potential rocket partners for future orbital launches from Spaceport Esrange. A first satellite launch is expected at the turn of the year 2023/24.