Nordic Spaceports: Europe Cuts U.S. Dependence

In a bold bid to reduce its dependence on U.S.-dominated space infrastructure, Europe is turning to the Arctic North. Sweden’s Esrange and Norway’s Andøya spaceports are emerging as critical assets in the region’s effort to secure independent satellite launch capabilities.

While the U.S. led with 154 launches in 2024, Europe managed just three. The only current European orbital launch site is in French Guiana, geographically distant and limited in capacity.

With tensions rising globally and Trump-era “America First” policies still influencing alliances, the EU is urgently investing in local space solutions. Esrange, nestled above the Arctic Circle, offers 5,200 square kilometers of uninhabited land near strategic infrastructure in Kiruna, ideal for polar orbit missions.

Andøya, meanwhile, has hosted a successful test by ISAR Aerospace and plans up to 30 launches annually. Both sites are backed by national governments and are already drawing NATO’s attention.

Experts say this marks Europe’s best chance at establishing sovereign access to orbit, crucial for both commercial and defense priorities in an era of geopolitical uncertainty and AI-driven warfare.