Stratospheric Balloons

Helping your mission reach new heights

SSC has a complete range of stratospheric balloon services for all your research needs. We’ve launched more than 600 stratospheric balloons since 1974, with payloads of several tons to near-space altitudes above 40 kilometers and flight times from just a couple of hours up to two weeks. Use our facilities at Esrange or we can come to you. Whether it’s atmospheric research, astronomy or technical tests of re-entry capsules and unmanned vehicles, we’ll help your research to reach new heights.

Engineer and balloon payload

A complete range of services

SSC’s range of stratospheric balloon services includes payload design and manufacturing, service systems, balloon systems, launch services, flight operations and recovery. We offer complete missions of atmospheric research, astronomy or any other scientific missions as well as technical tests of re-entry capsules and unmanned vehicles.

Our offer include balloons capable of lifting payloads of several tons to altitudes over 40 kilometers and flight times of more than two weeks. The launches regularly take place from SSC’s launching facility, Esrange Space Center, which has many advantages thanks to its geographical location.

Summer and winter launches

During summer season, long-duration trans-atlantic flights westwards from Sweden to North America, or even circumpolar flights, are performed. During winter season, flights eastwards are performed and in spring and autumn it is possible to perform one to two-day local or regional flights in what is called “turn-around” conditions.

SSC’s experienced engineers can also carry out launch services from other launch facilities if required.

Balloon launch
Esrange

More about Esrange Space Center

The world's most versatile space center

Balloon

Rocket & Balloon Activities

Learn about the current and completed rocket and balloon missions

Henrik Pettersson

Henrik Pettersson

Executive Vice President of Business Development, Science Services

If you are interested in what our science and launch services can do for you, please send me a message or fill in the contact form.