At the end of last year, Svenska Rymdaktiebolaget entered into an agreement with Harvard researchers in the USA for a balloon experiment at Esrange in Kiruna in June.
The background to the test flight is that the researchers want to find out if it is possible to remedy global warming by attenuating the sun's radiation.
This should be done by scattering particles in the atmosphere in order to manipulate the clouds and block the sun's rays, but this is not entirely uncontroversial.
After sharp criticism from a number of organizations, the first launch is therefore canceled.
"Is risky"
- We have stated that the issue needs to be discussed more, in scientific circles and in society at large.
Then we have decided that it is not appropriate to carry out a flight, says Stefan Gustafsson, strategy manager at the state Space Company (SSC) which operates the Swedish space base Esrange.
- The issue of geoengineering, manipulating the climate, is very controversial.
There are strong voices in favor of humanity learning more and developing methods to help the earth if climate change cannot be stopped.
The other side believes that all research of this kind is risky, says Stefan Gustafsson.
David Keith, who is a professor of applied physics at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, calls the decision a "setback", Svenska Dagbladet reports.
However, they will try to get Swedish opinion to turn around, but if it does not succeed, test flights in the US are planned instead.