Esrange Space Centre

Esrange is located 200 km north of the Arctic Circle and surrounded by a vast wilderness perfect for launching of rockets. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

Esrange was built in 1964 by ESRO, the European Space Research Organisation, which later became European Space Agency. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

The first rocket launch from Esrange occurred on 19 November 1966. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

ESRANGE is an abbreviation for ESRO Sounding Rocket Launching Range. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

Both rockets and high altitude balloons are launched from Esrange. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

Towards the launch platform. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

Esrange rocket platform. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

Control room for rocket launches. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

Entrance to Esrange Space Centre in Northern Sweden. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

Kiruna is the nearest town to the Easrange Space Centre. Photo: Thomas Nilsen