Norrbotten – where Europe’s space infrastructure takes shape

Space can sometimes feel distant – but in Norrbotten, it is part of everyday life. Here, satellites are built, research is conducted on the atmosphere, and rocket technology is tested, contributing to both sustainability and social development on Earth.

This became clear during the Space Innovation Forum, which in September brought together participants from Sweden, the Nordic region, and Europe. Over two days, participants discussed the role of space in our economy, our climate and our society – from global investments to regional opportunities.

European leadership in space innovation

Space is one of Region Norrbotten’s priority development areas, and the Norrbotten Regional Innovation Centre leads the European S3 partnership in space. Lina Linde, who heads the European S3 Space partnership, emphasised that Norrbotten has an important role to play in showing how European regions can collaborate on space innovation – by linking research, industry and societal benefits.

‘Within the partnership, we are working to strengthen European cooperation in space innovation on a global arena,’ says Lina Linde.

No rocket science, no social benefits?

Satellite data is used for everything from agriculture to infrastructure planning, crisis management, your banking services and, not least, the series you stream on Friday evenings. But to have reliable access to satellite data, you need a chain of infrastructure, knowledge and services that can develop, test and launch satellites.

Space Sweden North – Norrbotten’s space partnership

The conference is organised by Space Sweden North, an innovation partnership run by Luleå University of Technology, IRF, SSC, and EISCAT – the region’s leading players in research, testing and talent supply, together with the business development company LTU Business and the business incubator Arctic Business, representative of ESA BIC Sweden. Space Sweden North is also funded by the EU, Sparbanken Nord, Region Norrbotten and Kiruna Municipality.

When MEP Sofie Eriksson closed the conference, she summed up the message:

‘If Europe wants an independent supply chain in space, we must research, manufacture and launch European. Kiruna already has the capacity and experience to do this.’

Discover the Norrbotten space region

From Esrange to EISCAT, from satellite data to climate research – Norrbotten has built an infrastructure that makes the region unique in Europe.

Space is not far away. It is here. And it is part of our shared future.

Read more about Space Sweden North here.