The Esrange Space Center lies among vast forests of pine and birch in the northernmost part of Sweden, 120 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Photograph: Mattias Forsberg/SSC

Orbital space race heats up in Arctic north

The Esrange in Arctic Sweden has been the launch site for sub-orbital rockets. Photograph: Mattias Forsberg/SSC By Adrienne Murray & James Brooks, Published by The BBC, 24 February 2026 It's 04:00 on a snow-covered hill in Swedish Lapland, 120 miles (200km) north of the Arctic Circle. A countdown echoes from

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The Army Patriot missile has intercepted more than 150 ballistic missiles since 2015.

Germany to Provide Five PAC-3 Missiles to Ukraine Under One Condition

By Vladislav V., Published by Militarnyi, 13 February 2026 Germany may provide Ukraine with five PAC-3 interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense system, but only if other countries also contribute. The German Aid to Ukraine project reports, citing Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, that the transfer will go ahead

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Inside the Nordic base key to Europe’s hopes in space race

By Stefanie Dazio, Mailn Haarala, Published by The Independent, 1 September 2025 The space center's 30-plus antennas can more easily communicate with satellites orbiting the North Pole Deep within the remote Swedish forest, where reindeer roam and scientists ski in winter, lies a pivotal site in Europe's ambition to challenge

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First orbital rocket launched from mainland Europe crashes after takeoff

The rocket explodes. Photograph: AP By Oliver Holmes, Published by The Guardian, 30 March 2025 Uncrewed Spectrum test rocket’s failure seconds after blast-off said to have produced extensive data nonetheless A test rocket intended to kickstart satellite launches from Europe fell to the ground and exploded less than a minute after takeoff from

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Sweden launches its first military satellite

Space X Falcon 9 launch, August 16, 2024. California, Vandenberg Spaceport. Freeze frame from NASA video Published by Militarnyi, 2 February 2025 The Swedish Armed Forces have announced the launch of their first military satellite, a communications satellite called Gna-3. Swedish television company SVT reported on this. The satellite was launched on

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