Sounding Rockets from Svalbard

The combination of high geographic and geomagnetic latitude is spot on for scientific exploration of the dayside aurora and processes in the magnetospheric boundary layer.

Rocket studies of the dayside polar cusp, cleft and cap can be carried out using smaller and less expensive sounding rockets. In particular, sounding rockets can be launched directly into the polar cap and they can be launched along and perpendicular to the Earth’s magnetic field.

Blockhouse / Payload control

The Blockhouse and Payload control is located 100 meters from the Launch pad. the Blockhouse accommodates a number of payload control racks, and in addition equipment an personnel for the Launch Control and the launch crew.

Universal Launch Facility 

The launcher is placed inside a heated and movable building. During 2008, a brand new launcher will be installed.

Rocket Assembly Facility

The rocket assembly facility is located in the launch area, and includes facilities for rocket build-up.

Payload Integration Facility

The payload integration facility is located in the town of Ny-Ålesund, in the building known as “Havnelagret”. Andøya Rocket Range is renting the facility from Kings Bay, and the floor area is about 150 m2.

During launch the facility will have a setup for the experimenters. All our facilities in Ny-Ålesund have fiber connections.

Launch Control and Science Centre

The Launch Control (LC) / Trajectory and Position System (TPS) and the Science Centre are located in the town of Ny-Ålesund. We are renting necessary office space from the Norwegian Polar Institute for the duration of the campaign. Meteorological support is also located in the same offices as LC.