In the heart of Stockholm’s Nacka Strand, amidst a bustling development site by the water, lies a striking black ten-meter rocket perched on a link bridge. This spacecraft belongs to Swedish-American space startup Pythom Space, a company that is stirring curiosity among locals and employees alike. The innovative approach taken by Pythom is creating a new narrative for the space industry, one where small, cost-effective rockets can launch from nearly anywhere, anytime.
Why Pythom Space Doesn’t Need a Traditional Spaceport
Pythom Space, founded by Swedish-American explorers Tina and Tom Sjögren, is challenging the conventions of space exploration. Instead of the typical expansive spaceports required by other companies, Pythom’s rockets can be launched from much smaller spaces. “We only need a concrete slab. We could do it out here, we could do it on the sea, or in the middle of the forest,” says CEO Filip Stern Cedell. “Technically, we could refuel our rocket and send it up here on the street.”
The company’s focus is on creating small, efficient rockets that can launch swarms of satellites without relying on large-scale, traditional infrastructure. This approach makes it possible to carry out rocket launches much more flexibly and affordably.
The journey to Pythom Space’s groundbreaking technology began with the Sjögrens, who were inspired by their extreme expeditions across the poles and up Mount Everest. As Stern Cedell recounts, the explorers discovered the highest mountain known to humanity was actually on Mars, sparking a desire to reach it. However, they needed to develop a propulsion system that allowed rockets to be launched from anywhere — and return safely.
Pythom’s key innovation lies in using biofuels, replacing the need for massive cooling systems commonly found in space companies. This not only allows for portable launches but also minimizes the infrastructure costs typically associated with space missions.
The company has also pioneered the use of 3D-printed rocket engines, allowing for more precise designs and better efficiency. Their “Black Magic” pressure system, which operates at 150 times the atmospheric pressure, is an example of their ingenuity.
Making Space Accessible for All
Unlike SpaceX, which was hailed for reducing launch costs, Pythom Space aims to cut the price even further. Stern Cedell envisions a future where countries can afford their own space programs. “We want to make it possible to buy your own rocket for $1 million. And a satellite swarm with eight satellites for the same amount. That will give you a complete space program for about $2 million,” he says.
Pythom is focused on providing not just small-scale, affordable rockets, but also the means for countries and businesses to build their own independent space programs. With this in mind, Pythom’s rockets are far more cost-efficient compared to others on the market. For instance, Rocket Lab’s rockets cost around $7 million, while SpaceX’s rockets are priced at $60 million. In comparison, Pythom’s $1 million rocket is a game-changer.
While Pythom is currently focused on satellite launches, Stern Cedell is particularly excited about the future possibilities. “Space is a completely new domain where atoms behave differently,” he explains. “You can do space pharma, where you develop new medicines in zero gravity, where crystals grow in stronger formations. The potential for new drugs is massive.”
The company also sees potential in space-based manufacturing, including the development of semiconductors that are 50 times more efficient in space than on Earth. Beyond that, asteroid mining and space-based solar cells, which could be 40 times more efficient, offer even greater promise.
As Pythom continues to innovate, the company hopes to reshape how we think about space exploration. With their mission to make space accessible and affordable for everyone, they are paving the way for the next generation of space technologies.
