In the forests about four miles east of Kiruna lies Sweden's space base since 60 years, Esrange. The area covers a surface that is approximately twice as large as Luxembourg.
Here, the government wants to see investments, and one billion kronor has been earmarked to build out the infrastructure and enable the Swedish Armed Forces to launch various satellites into orbit around the Earth.
At the same time, the Sami villages have criticized the plans since the launch ramp is to be located up on the mountain.
Within 24 hours
The Swedish Armed Forces are aiming for a first satellite from Esrange – Hemidall 0 – at the end of 2027 or the beginning of 2028. Around 2030, the first operational satellite is expected to be up.
In the future, they want to have the capability to launch satellites with 24 hours' notice, says Air Force Chief Jonas Wikman.
We have an ambition with Esrange to be very fast and we believe that it's something we're going to be good at.
The Swedish Armed Forces are also establishing a Space Operations Center in Uppsala, from which they will lead the satellites and create a space situation picture.
But already next year, the first satellite launch is planned. Swedish Space Corporation, which operates Esrange, has entered into an agreement with the South Korean rocket manufacturer Perigee and the American Firefly aerospace will deliver the 29.5-meter-high rocket.
First and foremost, it's a wonderful place, as you know 68 degrees north. It has a unique perspective, says General Chance Saltzman after visiting the space base.
He is the head of the US Space Force and thus one of the members of the military council Joint Chiefs of Staff, which advises the US President on military strategic and security policy issues.
"It's on the table"
Saltzman, who also visited Norway, says that there are plenty of launches waiting for "go" and that Esrange is one of the places that are at the forefront in terms of infrastructure.
And the US would like to utilize northern Sweden in the future, not least within the framework of NATO allies.
We have unique relationships with other countries where we've started putting military resources on commercial satellites. It's just part of the growth, so it's definitely on the table, says Saltzman.
Air Force Chief Jonas Wikman sees no obstacle to American military satellites.
The USA is an extremely important cooperation partner for us. Our ambition is to build a space capability in a short time, and the USA's support and advice in this are extremely important, he says.
