Firefly Aerospace Signed up for two Alpha launches from Esrange Space Center in Sweden

SSC Space and Firefly Aerospace announced a an agreement for two Alpha rocket launches from Sweden’s Esrange Space Center, owned and operated by SSC Space. Targeted to launch in 2028, the missions will serve Sweden national security customers as well as additional commercial rideshare customers, marking a significant step forward in delivering orbital launch capabilities from mainland Europe.

"This contract validates the demand from European customers for long-awaited orbital launch capabilities directly from mainland Europe,” said Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. "These first two missions are just the start of a long-term, multi-launch partnership with SSC Space that will provide assured access to space for years to come with our proven Alpha rocket. As part of our 'launch as a franchise' model, this partnership serves the critical needs of SSC Space’s government and commercial customers and provides our nation and NATO allies with the launch site diversification required for resilient, responsive space missions.”

Under the multi-launch agreement, SSC Space secured the full payload capacity and can allocate payload space to its government and commercial customers, providing flexible accommodation and launch opportunities for the European satellite market.

The agreement builds on the momentum of Firefly and SSC Space’s partnership after recently establishing the required transatlantic regulatory frameworks and completing key infrastructure to launch Firefly’s Alpha rocket from Launch Complex 3C at Esrange Space Center. The latest infrastructure includes completion of the launch control center, payload processing facility, launch vehicle integration building, tracking and control systems, and security and storage facilities, as the two companies now progress through final pad construction.

"This agreement underscores the strategic value of the transatlantic space capabilities we are building together with Firefly," said Charlotta Sund, President and CEO of SSC Space. "Adding an orbital launch capability to mainland Europe strengthens the continent's capabilities and competitiveness in the commercial space arena, while contributing to greater resilience and strategic autonomy within the defense domain. As demand grows, we look forward to expanding this relationship with Firefly to serve our end customers over the long term and advance our shared space capabilities."