HISTORY

OVER 40 YEARS IN THE SPACE BUSINESS

Through the twentieth century, space technology developed to become an indispensable resource in the fields of telecommunications, Earth observation, meteorology, and navigation. SSC has taken part in the journey from its first steps over 40 years ago and is now a well-reputed and sought-after partner with operations worldwide.

SSC was founded in 1972. Named the Swedish Space Corporation (former "Rymdbolaget" in Sweden) we started as a Swedish company doing business all over the world. Over the years, we have grown to comprise several specialized companies with facilities on most continents.

 
 

  • 1961It started with sounding rockets

    The sounding rocket activity in Sweden started in 1961. In the beginning the launches took place from Kronogård, which originally was a hunting post for royal foresters and hunters. The launch site was very primitive.

  • 1964Construction of Esrange starts

    ESRO (European Space Research Organisation), which later became ESA (European Space Agency), decided to expand the sounding rocketry. The construction of the Esrange Space Center started in 1964.

  • 1966The first rocket launch from Esrange

    After completion of Esrange, the sounding rocket activity in Kronogård stopped. The very first sounding rocket from Esrange was launched on November 20, 1966.

  • 1972SSC takes ownership

    SSC (then "Rymdbolaget") was founded and took ownership of Esrange Space Center.
 

  • 1974Stratospheric balloon activities

    The first high altitude balloon was launched from Esrange Space Center.

    Photo: Pirog balloon project in 1985

  • 2000The start of a global ground station network

    SSC acquired USN (Universal Space Network) in the US and started the establishment of SSC's global ground station network.
 

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The activities of the SSC Group cover many business areas and are built on decades of experience.