Sweden has initiated an innovative study to investigate the feasibility of launching a small satellite into space from a Saab Gripen multirole fighter jet. This initiative is part of the Nordic nation’s efforts to enhance its dispersed operations and counter Russian aggression.
The study, known as Stella, is led by the Swedish Air Force in collaboration with the country’s Defense Research Agency. Col. Ella Carlsson, head of the Swedish Air Force’s Space Division, stated that the study aims to explore “the potential for the Gripen to launch a small satellite into LEO (Low Earth Orbit).”
Addressing the concepts of agile combat and dispersion operations, she remarked, “It’s all about how we can utilize these strengths. How can we apply them in space? Perhaps a Gripen fighter could serve this purpose.”
The announcement of the Stella study came during a Swedish Air Force Fan Club event in London. It stemmed from discussions with the former director-general of the Ukrainian Space Agency, emphasizing the importance of responsive satellite launch capabilities, as reported by Aviation Week.
While the idea of launching satellites from fighter jets is not entirely new—Italy has previously investigated the potential for a Eurofighter Typhoon to perform similar launches—larger commercial aircraft are more traditionally employed for such missions. Virgin Orbit, before its bankruptcy, successfully deployed 10 satellites into LEO using a Boeing 747 as a launch platform.
Despite the ambitious nature of the Swedish study, a operational capacity resulting from it is not assured. A spokesperson for Saab stated, “As for the specifics of the Stella study and its intended purpose, we will not prejudge the feasibility or outcome.”
The Stella study aligns with Sweden’s newly announced defense space strategy, which focuses on four primary pillars: freedom of action, capability portfolio development, commitment to responsible operations, and promoting a space policy that enhances “crisis preparedness.” This strategy does not specify the budget for Sweden’s investment in space-based capabilities.
In addition to the Stella study, the Swedish Air Force is prioritizing the acquisition of a new long-range air-to-ground missile for its Gripen C/D fleet in the near term.
