Kongsberg to Launch Arctic Ocean Surveillance Satellite for Norway

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has recently secured a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop a satellite for the Arctic Ocean Surveillance (AOS) project. This initiative, spearheaded by the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA), aims to provide space-based maritime surveillance services for the Norwegian Government. The AOS mission is part of the larger Arctic Surveillance Program, which involves collaboration between various Norwegian agencies and organizations, including the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Coastal Administration. Once completed, the AOS program will offer real-time satellite-based surveillance services to safeguard Norwegian national interests at sea.

Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, emphasized the significance of this contract in reinforcing the company’s position as a prime contractor for space-based assets. The partnership with ESA will enable KONGSBERG to deliver satellites for surveillance data services, meeting both national and global demands for maritime situational awareness. Christian Hauglie-Hanssen, Director General of NOSA, expressed satisfaction with KONGSBERG’s involvement in developing the AOS precursor satellite, highlighting the importance of establishing a national capability for maritime domain awareness.

The project will be executed by a consortium led by KONGSBERG, which includes subsidiaries such as Kongsberg NanoAvionics and Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT). The MP42 spacecraft platform will be produced by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, while satellite assembly and integration with essential systems will be carried out by KONGSBERG in its cutting-edge facilities. The complete system will be launched at Andøya Spaceport, situated near the Arctic Ocean for optimal surveillance coverage. KSAT will handle satellite and mission control, ground station services, and data dissemination, utilizing its network of downloading stations to provide high-frequency surveillance data for the Norwegian government.

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