FMV wants to launch satellites from Esrange

Kiruna The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) is ordering the capacity to launch satellites from the Esrange space base outside Kiruna.

Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which operates the Esrange space base, has received an order to establish a basic capability to launch satellites.

"This is an important step in our endeavour to establish a leading capability to launch satellites from mainland Europe. It will be of great importance for Sweden, as well as for NATO and Europe," says Charlotta Sund, CEO of SSC.

On 4 October 2024, the Government decided to allocate approximately SEK 1 billion to the Swedish Armed Forces until 2032 to develop Sweden's space capabilities. The decision includes improving the Swedish Armed Forces' space situational awareness, expanding the infrastructure at the Esrange space base, and enabling the Swedish Armed Forces to launch more satellites into space.

The investment in Esrange aims to create greater Swedish control and access to the space domain, thereby increasing the robustness of the functions and capabilities that the satellites deliver to the Swedish Armed Forces.

Lennart Håkansson

editor@northswedenbusiness.com