(25 February)
Esrange is located in the very north of Sweden, above the Arctic Circle and has access to a vast, unpopulated impact and recovery area.
Esrange was built in 1964 by ESRO, the European Space Research Organisation, which later became European Space Agency by merging with ELDO, the European Launcher Development Organisation. The first rocket launch from Esrange occurred on 19 November 1966.In 1972, ownership was transferred to the newly started Swedish Space Corporation.
The facility has been operational since 1966 and is presently used by the international scientific community for launching sounding rockets for microgravity and atmospheric research as well as high altitude balloons for astronomy, atmospheric research and drop tests of space and aerial vehicles.
Esrange also accommodates one of the world’s largest civilian satellite ground stations and acts as a hub in our satellite station network.