Firefly Aerospace advances Sweden launch pad for 2028 Alpha rocket debut

Firefly Aerospace (Nasdaq: FLY) and SSC Space announced the completion of key infrastructure milestones at Launch Complex 3C at Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden, with a first orbital launch targeted for 2028.

According to a press release from the companies, initial infrastructure now in place includes a launch control center, payload processing facility, launch vehicle integration building, tracking and control systems, and security and storage facilities. Final construction of the launch pad is underway, built to support Firefly's Alpha rocket, a two-stage vehicle capable of delivering 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit.

On the regulatory front, the Swedish National Space Agency and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in April 2026 to streamline launch licensing for American rockets operating from Sweden. This follows a Technology Safeguards Agreement between Sweden and the United States, making Sweden the sixth country to enter such an agreement with the U.S.

SSC Space also signed a SEK 209 million agreement with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration to provide the Swedish Armed Forces with the ability to launch satellites into orbit from Esrange using the Alpha rocket.

Esrange Space Center is located approximately 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, a position the companies note is suitable for sun-synchronous and polar orbits used in national security and commercial missions.

"We're proud to partner with SSC Space and work collaboratively with U.S. and Swedish agencies to provide European customers with a dedicated orbital launch capability using our flight-proven Alpha rocket," said Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace.

Charlotta Sund, CEO and Group President of SSC Space, said the orbital launch capability "will strengthen the continent's capabilities and competitiveness in the commercial space arena, while contributing to greater resilience and strategic autonomy within the defense domain."

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