The Esrange Space Center in Northern Sweden. Photo: SSC

Sweden has moved one step closer to being and to control and launch satellites into orbit from its own territory from a national security perspective. SSC Space has signed an agreement with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) to establish satellite launch capability from Esrange Space Center. The contract is valued at SEK 209 million ($22 million). SSC revealed details of the contract award, March 16.

The contract covers systems and infrastructure that ensure protection, availability, and execution of satellite launches for the Swedish Armed Forces, as well as for partners and allies. The capability is scheduled to be operational by 2028.

The initiative is part of a government decision from 2023 to allocate approximately SEK 1 billion ($105.44 million) to the Swedish Armed Forces through 2032 to develop Sweden’s space capabilities. The decision includes, among other things, improved space situational awareness, expansion of infrastructure at Esrange in cooperation with SSC Space, and the ability for the Swedish Armed Forces to carry out multiple satellite launches. An initial collaboration between FMV and SSC Space was established in December 2024 to begin setting up the project.

“This agreement is an important step in the development of Sweden’s and Europe’s space capabilities. By building a national satellite launch capability from Esrange, we are strengthening both Sweden’s and Europe’s access to space, for both the Swedish Armed Forces and commercial operators, and contributing to increased resilience and freedom of action in an increasingly strategic domain,” Charlotta Sund, President and CEO, SSC Space, said in a statement.