The Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) has announced new partnerships with rocket providers from the US and South Korea to launch the first satellites from mainland Europe. The SSC’s CEO, Charlotta Sund, highlighted the significance of this new launch capability in mainland Europe, emphasizing its importance for the space industry, society, and national security.
The SSC’s spaceport, Esrange Space Centre, is set to become Europe’s first satellite launch site, with plans for the first orbital satellite launch with South Korean partner Perigee Aerospace in late 2025. The South Korean company’s micro launcher, Blue Whale 1, is designed for sustainable access to orbit and aims to make space exploration more affordable and accessible.
In addition to the partnership with South Korea, the SSC has also teamed up with US company Firefly to launch its Alpha rocket from Esrange Space Centre starting in 2026. The Alpha rocket has already demonstrated its capabilities by successfully launching and deploying a satellite for the US Space Force with just 24 hours notice.
The collaborations with Perigee Aerospace and Firefly are part of SSC’s strategy to become a full-service provider for launching satellites while ensuring streamlined and effective services appreciated by customers. The SSC plans to ramp up slowly with a few launches per year before expanding further in the long term.
Overall, these partnerships represent a significant development in European space operations, positioning Europe to play a greater role in the global space market and advance national security efforts.
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