For decades, Europe has relied on overseas bases, particularly French Guiana, to launch satellites into orbit.
But now, deep in Sweden’s Arctic forests near Kiruna, the Esrange Space Center is positioning itself as the continent’s future gateway to space.
Owned by the Swedish Space Corporation, Esrange is being upgraded to host orbital launches, a step intended to reduce dependence on U.S.
and Russian launch infrastructure.
The push reflects growing urgency: commercial satellite demand is soaring, while geopolitical turbulence, including the Trump administration’s America First policies, underscored the risks of over-reliance.
Hermann Ludwig Moeller of the European Space Policy Institute argues Europe must double its investment in space within the next decade to remain relevant, noting that rivals such as China, India, and private U.S.
companies are accelerating innovation.
In March, German start-up Isar Aerospace conducted a test launch from Norway’s Andøya Spaceport, one of several European sites racing toward operational readiness.
Although the rocket failed to reach orbit, the milestone signaled continental momentum.
Esrange’s high-latitude location allows unique polar orbit launches, appealing to climate monitoring and Earth observation programs.
Still, challenges abound: orbital launches require costly infrastructure, rigorous safety protocols, and international coordination.
Meanwhile, nations like Portugal, Spain, and the UK are also vying for roles in Europe’s space future.
Esrange hopes to secure a breakthrough launch within the next year, which would mark Europe’s first orbital mission from its mainland.
As India, China, and even New Zealand rapidly advance in spaceflight, Europe’s bid for autonomy has become a question not just of prestige but of strategic security, economic competitiveness, and scientific leadership.
But now, deep in Sweden’s Arctic forests near Kiruna, the Esrange Space Center is positioning itself as the continent’s future gateway to space.
Owned by the Swedish Space Corporation, Esrange is being upgraded to host orbital launches, a step intended to reduce dependence on U.S.
and Russian launch infrastructure.
The push reflects growing urgency: commercial satellite demand is soaring, while geopolitical turbulence, including the Trump administration’s America First policies, underscored the risks of over-reliance.
Hermann Ludwig Moeller of the European Space Policy Institute argues Europe must double its investment in space within the next decade to remain relevant, noting that rivals such as China, India, and private U.S.
companies are accelerating innovation.
In March, German start-up Isar Aerospace conducted a test launch from Norway’s Andøya Spaceport, one of several European sites racing toward operational readiness.
Although the rocket failed to reach orbit, the milestone signaled continental momentum.
Esrange’s high-latitude location allows unique polar orbit launches, appealing to climate monitoring and Earth observation programs.
Still, challenges abound: orbital launches require costly infrastructure, rigorous safety protocols, and international coordination.
Meanwhile, nations like Portugal, Spain, and the UK are also vying for roles in Europe’s space future.
Esrange hopes to secure a breakthrough launch within the next year, which would mark Europe’s first orbital mission from its mainland.
As India, China, and even New Zealand rapidly advance in spaceflight, Europe’s bid for autonomy has become a question not just of prestige but of strategic security, economic competitiveness, and scientific leadership.
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