Since the very beginning of the firing programme on 09/1966, the term ESRANGE was an acronyme for European Sounding Rocket Range, that situated in Kiruna (Sweden). The rocket launches from ESRANGE initiated together other simultaneous launch programmes taking place in Andoya (Norway) and Karystos (Greece) and flanked that ones having basis at Salto di Quirra (Sardinia, Italy) which began in 1964. The ordinary sounding rocket programmes ended in 1972 and Kiruna's facilities, just like the installations of Andoya, entered in a so called ESRANGE Special Project. After the Council's decision, that transforming the programme from ordinary to optional, the use of the ranges were allowed to outsiders with specifical contractual arrangements. Beside the sounding rocket launches, also balloon campaignes were scheduled.