EU inaugurated first mainland satellite launch port

  • European officials and Carl XVI Gustaf (Swedish King) have inaugurated the first mainland orbital launch complex of the European Union at Esrange Space Centre near the city of Kiruna, Sweden.
  • Aim: To bolster the capacity to launch small satellites into space with a new launchpad in Arctic Sweden.
  • The new facility should complement the EU’s current launching capabilities in French Guiana.
  • European Commission President: Ursula Von der Leyen