Firefly Aerospace announced a multi‑launch agreement for two of its Alpha rockets to be launched from Sweden’s Esrange Space Center. The launches are planned from Launch Complex 3C and are targeted for no earlier than 2028, marking the first orbital launch capability from mainland Europe.
The missions will carry payloads for Swedish national security customers as well as commercial rideshare clients. Under the agreement, SSC Space, which operates Esrange, has secured the full launch capacity and can allocate payload space to its own government and commercial customers.
The deal builds on recently established transatlantic regulatory frameworks and the completion of key ground infrastructure at Esrange. Completed elements include a launch control center, a payload processing facility, a launch vehicle integration building, tracking and control systems, and security and storage facilities; final construction of the launch pad is currently in progress.
Firefly Aerospace, founded in 2017 and headquartered in central Texas, describes itself as a space and defense technology company. SSC Space employs roughly 750 people, operates the Esrange site and maintains a global network of commercial ground stations for satellite communications. CEOs Jason Kim and Charlotta Sund noted that the contract validates European demand for orbital launch services and underscores the strategic value of the transatlantic partnership.
