STOCKHOLM, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) — The Esrange spaceport, Europe’s first orbital launch complex, was inaugurated on Friday at the Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by King Carl XVI Gustaf, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who together cut the ribbon.
“Europe has its foothold in space and will keep it,” von der Leyen said. She was in the country to mark the beginning of Sweden’s six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).
For Europe, the new orbital launch facility at Esrange is a long-awaited critical asset. Today, only ten countries in the world can launch satellites. Spaceport Esrange will offer an independent European gateway to space, which complements and strengthens the current European capacity in French Guiana, says the Swedish Space Company (SSC) in a press release.
“This new launch complex will help create a foundation for a resilient Europe in space. New constellations of satellites in orbit, responsive launch capabilities and development of reusable rockets will enable a safe, competitive and sustainable Europe,” Stefan Gardefjord, CEO. (CEO) of SSC, said.
According to SSC, the first satellite launch is expected in late 2023.
Source: sn.dk