Eager to know how Sweden helps Earth benefit from space? Right here stands the Swedish Space Corporation. It is also known as SSC. Since the 1970s the Swedish Space Corporation has helped space organizations reach for the stars. SSC assists commercial actors and research institutes. They all gain access to space through SSC’s expertise.
SSC plays a significant role in building society. It enables sustainable development for our modern world. A connected everyday life depends on space. Without space modern everyday life would simply stop.
But what exactly does the Swedish Space Corporation do? SSC launches sounding rockets and stratospheric balloons. They test rocket engines and new rocket fuels. SSC also maintains space and aviation systems. The Swedish Space Corporation provides satellite communications. This is done through ground stations worldwide.
Did you know SSC is developing programs for Space Surveillance Tracking? They also work on Space Traffic Management. These programs identify risks. They assess and minimize collisions with space debris.
In January 2023 Spaceport Esrange was inaugurated. It is a part of the Esrange Space Center. Spaceport Esrange is the first facility in continental Europe. It is capable of launching satellites. The first satellite launch should happen in 2024.
SSC operates in Solna, Kiruna, and Ågesta in Sweden. The company also has operations in other countries. These include Australia, Chile, the Netherlands and Thailand. SSC also has branches in Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The Swedish Space Corporation employs roughly 700 people.
SSC designs and tests space systems. They handle rocket systems and experimental equipment. This equipment is used for research in space. Microgravity experiments happen here. Atmospheric research takes place. Space-related systems get tested and validated at the Swedish Space Corporation.
SSC has specialist competence in satellite communications. It is also expert in rocket and balloon systems. The Swedish Space Corporation consults satellite operators.
The Swedish Space Corporation has a large network of ground stations. These stations communicate with satellites. SSC uses its own stations and contracted stations worldwide. SSC has its own ground stations in Sweden and the US. You can also find SSC stations in Canada and Chile. Thailand and Australia host SSC ground stations too. Partnering ground stations are in Germany and Italy. Spain, South Africa, Antarctica, India, and Japan also participate.
Most scientific satellites orbit Earth’s poles. Esrange Space Center is located above the Arctic Circle. This location allows regular contact with satellites. Satellites pass within range several times a day. Esrange is one of the world’s most used satellite stations.
SSC’s subsidiaries offer satellite control consulting. LSE Space is in Germany. Aurora Technology is in the Netherlands. GlobalTrust in Great Britain analyzes satellite data.
The Swedish government established SSC in 1972. It was formed by Esrange Space Center and Rymdtekniska Gruppen. Since 2000 the company has expanded. It now has operations in many countries.
SSC acquired Universal Space Network USN in 2000. USN was founded by astronaut Charles Pete Conrad Jr. He was the third human to walk on the Moon. The acquisition of USN marked the start. SSC began establishing a global ground station network. Today it is one of the largest civilian networks in the world.
The Swedish Space Corporation helps Earth benefit from space. They enable successful space projects. These projects relate to Earth observation and telecommunications. Security, meteorology, navigation, and scientific research all benefit. SSC values customer passion and collaboration. They also value care, curiosity, and courage. These values shape the company.