The Swedish small satellite program-which began in the mid-1980s-has been recognized internationally as cost-efficient and scientifically successful, and the results have contributed significantly to the progress in auroral research. The program comprises six research satellites to date, five of which were auroral or space plasma missions. Viking and Freja made substantial and sometimes pioneering contributions to the understanding of the aurora. The smaller satellites Astrid, Astrid-2, and Munin proved powerful both for testing new space technologies and instruments and for providing high-quality scientific data.