Space Sweden North

Located above the Arctic Circle, Space Sweden North is the northernmost and one of the most dynamic regions within Sweden’s national space ecosystem. Since 2015, the region has evolved into a strong and inclusive innovation environment, first through the RIT projects (2015–2023) and now under Space Sweden North.

The region’s space legacy dates back to 1957, when scientists began observing Arctic space phenomena such as the Aurora Borealis. Since then, the regional ecosystem has expanded along with the global space trajectory, encompassing:

• Research in space physics, atmospheric science, and space systems

• Sounding rocket and stratospheric balloon launches

• Satellite management through multiple ground stations

• Advanced space surveillance and tracking capabilities

• Arena Arctica, a large-scale test facility for aerospace research

• Higher education and training at Space Campus Kiruna

• Test and certification laboratories for space components and systems

• Rocket system testbeds and the newly inaugurated Spaceport Esrange, preparing for launching satellites into polar orbits

This growth has been built on synergy, sustainability, and collaboration. The region connects research, industry, and entrepreneurship through challenge-driven innovation, cross-sector partnerships, and open meeting places where ideas and technologies take flight. With easily accessible testing, research, and innovation environments, Space Sweden North offers a unique launchpad for companies and researchers looking to advance the frontiers of space technology.

Today, Space Sweden North drives cooperation between academia, the space industry, and regional SMEs while initiating research and innovation assignments, supporting commercialization, and developing world-class research and test infrastructures. The initiative welcomes new partners, providing access to established networks, expertise, and activities that strengthen business development, innovation capacity, and market readiness for SMEs, start-ups, and new entrants to the space value chain.

A key meeting point for this ecosystem is the Space Innovation Forum – our flagship annual conference attracting national and international participants. Since its inception, 16 forums have been held, consistently reaching full capacity. The next forum is planned for September 2026 in Kiruna, continuing the tradition of fostering collaboration and innovation in the European space community.

Through its continuous focus on research-industry collaboration, entrepreneurial development, and accessible infrastructure, Space Sweden North has strengthened innovation capacity and commercialization pathways for space technologies. By encouraging idea generation among students, researchers, and SMEs, the region fuels a steady flow of new business ventures and research-driven innovations.

Embedded within the region’s Smart Specialisation Strategy, the space sector interlinks with Arctic testbeds, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies, promoting cross-sectoral research, early product validation, and technology transfer. The result is a vibrant, future-oriented ecosystem that makes northern Sweden one of Europe’s most exciting places for space innovation.

Check out the video “RIT by numbers” were some of the results from out activities are presented.