The Swedish space center Esrange is preparing for two orbital launches in 2028 year. This will significantly increase competition among European spaceports. This government complex has traditionally specialized in suborbital research, however, regional investment is accelerating its transition to orbital capabilities. European governments are increasingly emphasizing sustainable and diversified access to space, which prompts Sweden, Норвегію та Сполучене Королівство розвивати конкуруючі пускові майданчики.
Есрейндж розвинув необхідну інфраструктуру, зокрема стартовий комплекс 3C, центр управління орбітальними запусками та об’єкти для обробки корисного навантаження. Компанії Firefly та SSC Space просуваються до перших запусків ракети Alpha з цього майданчика. Конкуруючі об’єкти, such as Andoya Spaceport in Norway and Saxavoord in the United Kingdom, are also actively developing. Sweden expands licensing opportunities, concluded in April 2026 року угоду з Федеральним управлінням цивільної авіації США щодо координації запусків американських ракет.
For reference: Firefly Aerospace — це американська приватна аерокосмічна компанія, which creates transportation infrastructure for space: light and medium launch vehicles, lunar landing modules and orbital satellite platforms. The company positions itself as a representative of the "New Space" movement (NewSpace), aimed at significantly reducing the cost and increasing the availability of launches for commercial customers and scientific institutions.
SSC Space is Sweden's leading European state-owned aerospace company, which provides a full range of commercial and scientific services for access to space.
According to an agreement between SSC Space and Firefly Aerospace, two Alpha rockets are scheduled to be launched from Esrange 2028 year for the needs of Sweden's national security and commercial clients. In March 2026 year, the Swedish Defense Logistics Agency allocated 209 million SEK (about 20,82 million dollars. USA) to create the possibility of launching satellites from Esrange. Sweden's progress could make this center an important part of Europe's launch infrastructure.
Source: https://astrocurrent.com