Esrange Visitor Center

Without space, everyday life comes to a halt

Space may feel distant, but in reality, our daily lives on Earth depend entirely on what happens up there.

Esrange Space Center, just outside Kiruna, is one of the world’s most versatile space centers. For more than 60 years, SSC Space has launched over 1,300 sounding rockets and stratospheric balloons. Satellite communication is also conducted via large parabolic antennas that are part of a global ground station network. Thousands of experiments have reached space through Esrange – research and innovation that have helped shape the way we live today.

At the same time, we are entering a new era in space. Satellites provide us with positioning, communication, weather forecasts, and precise observations of events such as wildfires, floods, and much more. The number of satellites is rapidly increasing and plays a vital role in society – from navigation and communication to climate monitoring and security. At Esrange, SSC Space is now building Europe’s first mainland satellite launch capability, with the goal of enabling the space services of tomorrow.

Want to learn more about why space matters – and what the future holds? Visit our unmanned exhibition just outside the gates of Esrange*. Enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and explore one of today’s most dynamic and fast-growing industries.

*For safety and security reasons, the area inside the gates is not open to the public. Visits are only permitted in connection with our operations and subject to approval.