Summary
The Esrange Space Centre in Sweden is joining the race to launch rockets into orbit from Europe. The centre has launched many rockets in the past for scientific research, and it aims to start launching satellites in the near future. This move is part of a broader push in Europe to become a player in the growing global commercial space industry.
Key Facts
- The Esrange Space Centre is located in Arctic Sweden and is run by the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC).
- Over 600 sub-orbital rockets have been launched from Esrange since the 1960s.
- Esrange plans to start launching satellites into orbit; a new launchpad was inaugurated in 2023.
- Two companies, South Korea's Perigee and the USA's Firefly, are preparing rockets for launch from Esrange.
- A technology safeguard agreement between the US and Sweden allows US companies to bring advanced space tech to Sweden.
- Esrange is helping with tests for Europe's first reusable rocket, Themis, and German start-up Isar Aerospace's engine.
- The number of satellites in orbit is expected to grow from 10,000 to 40,000-50,000 in a few years, boosting the space industry.
- There are other spaceport projects across Europe, including in Portugal, Norway, and the UK, highlighting Europe's interest in space.
