Rocket  launches
Since 1966 a total of more than 500 sounding rockets have been launched from the Esrange Space Center. All rockets launched from Esrange are, for the time being, sounding rockets and are used for science in various disciplines. We may launch satellites within the near future, but this question is still under investigation.

Rocket systems
SSC has designed more that sixty sounding rocket vehicles since the early 1970’s. The vehicles have been used for auroral studies, atmospheric physics, astrophysical observations and microgravity research both within the Swedish national space program and as part of the microgravity research program of ESA.

Rocket payloads
SSC has also constructed payloads for several rocket missions since the early seventies. These missions are utilized for scientific experiments within microgravity, aeronomy. astronomy, plasma physics and atmospheric physics. A rocket campaign can also aim to validate instrumentation onboard a passing satellite.

Ground based scientific instruments
SSC has several ground based instruments at the Esrange Space Center used for the support of sounding rocket and balloon experiments for Atmospheric, Ionospheric and Magnetospheric research. These instruments are primarily designed for real time use during campaigns. Read more here.

EuroLaunch 
SSC and the German space organisation DLR have concluded a Co-operative Agreement in the area of sub-orbital services for upper atmosphere and microgravity research. SSC and DLR have been working in the field of Sounding Rockets and Balloons since the 70s and have provided launch operation services to scientists and space organizations in Europe and worldwide. They coordinate their services and infrastructure in order to improve efficiency and offer maximum value to scientists and space organizations. SSC and DLR market their coordinated “end-to-end” services under the trademark EuroLaunch.

Rocket types
Most types of sounding rockets; Castor 4B, VS-30, VSB-30, Black Brant, Orion etc.

Impact Area and Recovery
The scientific payloads land in a vast restricted land area North of the Esrange Space Center, 5200 square kilometers. They are recovered by helicopter and usually back at the base for analysis within 1-2 hours after launch.

Efficient time for scientific measuring
2-15 minutes

Payload weight
Up to 1000 kg.

Altitude
Up to 1000 km.