Launch Site Shortage Troubles Western Military Space Leaders

Robert Wall Vivienne Machi August 04, 2026

rocket launching in forested area — Sweden is upgrading Esrange to support orbital launches starting in 2028.

Credit: SSC Space

Launcher scarcity may be today’s capacity concern for space operators, but Western military leaders increasingly worry about the state of range infrastructure as they look to put spacecraft to orbit quickly in times of crises. Germany is exploring whether to secure a space launch facility for its...

Robert Wall

Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space. Based in London, he directs a team of military and space journalists across the U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Vivienne Machi

Vivienne Machi is the military space editor for Aviation Week based in Los Angeles.

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