Firefly Aerospace and SSC Space Reach Milestones for Orbital Launches from Sweden's Esrange Space Center

Firefly Aerospace and SSC Space have completed initial infrastructure and regulatory milestones for orbital launches from the Esrange Space Center in Sweden, with the first flight targeted for 2028. This partnership establishes a critical transatlantic link for space access, utilizing Firefly’s Alpha rocket to provide dedicated orbital capabilities from mainland Europe. The development is a significant step for the Space Technology sector, offering increased launch site diversification and strategic autonomy for European and allied defense and commercial missions.

The collaboration has finalized key infrastructure at Launch Complex 3C, including a launch control center, payload processing facility, and launch vehicle integration building. These facilities are specifically designed to support Firefly’s Alpha rocket, a two-stage vehicle capable of delivering 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO). While construction on the pad is entering its final stages, the partners have set a target date of 2028 for the inaugural orbital launch. Located 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, the Esrange Space Center’s high-latitude position is ideally suited for sun-synchronous and polar orbits, which are increasingly vital for national security and Earth observation missions.

A robust regulatory framework has been established to facilitate the export of advanced U.S. space technology. This includes a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation signed in April 2026 between the Swedish National Space Agency and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to streamline licensing. Furthermore, a Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) between the U.S. and Sweden—making Sweden only the sixth nation to sign such a pact—ensures the protection of sensitive data and hardware. Firefly CEO Jason Kim noted that this 'launch as a franchise' model provides the U.S. and its allies with necessary site diversification for resilient, responsive space operations.

The project has already secured significant institutional backing, highlighted by a SEK 209 million agreement between SSC Space and the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV). This contract will allow the Swedish Armed Forces to launch sovereign satellites into orbit using the Alpha rocket. Charlotta Sund, CEO of SSC Space, emphasized that adding orbital launch capabilities to mainland Europe enhances the continent's competitiveness and contributes to strategic autonomy in the defense domain. By bridging the transatlantic gap, the partnership aims to provide a flight-proven, responsive launch solution for a wide range of European commercial and governmental customers.