Firefly Aerospace has taken a significant step toward launching rockets from Europe, thanks to a newly signed Technology Security Agreement (TSA) between the United States and Sweden. This agreement authorizes the export and launch of U.S. rocket technology from Swedish territory—an essential requirement for any American aerospace company operating internationally due to strict regulations tied to national security.
With this agreement, Sweden joins a small group of countries—including the United Kingdom and Australia—that have met the stringent requirements set by the U.S. for hosting American orbital launches. The signing of the TSA took place on June 20 at the Swedish Embassy in Washington, symbolizing a deepening of bilateral cooperation in the space sector.
For Firefly Aerospace, the TSA clears a critical regulatory hurdle and unlocks new opportunities in the European space launch market. The company plans to launch its Alpha rockets from the Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden, a site operated by the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC). The facility is already equipped with key infrastructure, including a launch control center, telemetry systems, and tracking radars, positioning it as a strategic hub for European orbital missions.
Firefly’s first launch from Esrange is targeted for 2026. This move represents more than just geographic expansion—it’s a strategic play to serve the growing demand for satellite launches across Europe. With Esrange, Firefly aims to provide a reliable, regional solution for commercial and government satellite operators looking to avoid the congestion and scheduling bottlenecks that plague many U.S. launch sites.
"Finalization of the TSA gets us one step closer to launching our Alpha rocket from Sweden and filling a void for the European satellite market," said Adam Oakes, Firefly’s vice president of launch operations. He emphasized that the agreement not only removes regulatory barriers but also provides confidence to customers that both the U.S. and Sweden are fully committed to supporting orbital launch capabilities from Esrange.
The company has expressed interest in maintaining multiple launch sites globally, including Wallops Island in Virginia. This diversification is designed to reduce reliance on its current primary launch site at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, which often experiences heavy traffic from multiple commercial and government missions.
Despite the momentum, Firefly is also managing recent challenges. In April, a launch of the Alpha rocket ended in failure when the upper stage engine nozzle was damaged during flight. The vehicle failed to reach orbital velocity, and both the rocket and its payload—a demonstration satellite—were lost over the ocean. The company has not yet released the findings of its investigation or indicated whether this incident will delay its planned expansion to Sweden.
Even so, the new TSA marks a turning point for Firefly. It opens the door not just for launches from Sweden, but for broader transatlantic collaboration in the space industry. With the European market in need of dependable launch providers—and geopolitical tensions driving interest in secure, non-Russian access to space—Firefly’s move into Sweden could prove both timely and transformative.
