History

Spaceport Sweden is based on the growing fascination and interest in personal suborbital space flight, a mission initiated by Virgin Galactic. By utilizing the established state-of-the-art facilities in Kiruna to realize this dream, the door is open for all forms of innovative aerospace operations.

The strength of Spaceport Sweden is anchored in the combined histories of its partners, each contributing with their experience, reputation and service.

Aviation – The history of innovative aviation in Kiruna began in 1916 with the first flight of an Albatross over Kiruna, landing on the city lake Luossajärvi. The pilot later became the head engineer of SAAB (Swedish Aeroplane AB).

Testing – The geographical location and large unpopulated area surrounding Kiruna offer unique possibilities for testing in a sub-arctic environment. The first tests conducted here were in 1924 when the Swedish Air Force tested English airplane engines on the lake Luossajärvi.

Space – In 1961, the first rocket to be launched into space from Sweden took off, and five years later, Sweden’s own rocket base for space research, Esrange Space Center, was founded. In 1972, it was transformed into a new state-owned company, the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC).

Adventure – If it is possible to build a hotel of ice in a small village 200 km inside the Arctic Circle, which strikes the whole world with amazement, then anything is possible. The story of ICEHOTEL is indeed a fairy tale come true.