Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG’) has entered the space industry as a satellite operator and service provider after the company launched their first microsatellite from California. The satellite, named ARVAKER 1 N3X, was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as part of the SpaceX Transporter 13 launch service.
In 2024, KONGSBERG was awarded a contract from the Norwegian Armed Forces on behalf of the Norwegian government to provide maritime surveillance data to cover Norwegian Areas of Interest. As part of the five-year contract, KONGSBERG will launch three satellites.
The data will be used by the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as other Norwegian government institutions involved in maritime security such as the Coastal Administration, the Directorate of Fisheries, and the Norwegian Customs.
The MP42H satellites are produced by Kongsberg NanoAvionics and equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers and detector systems, delivered by Kongsberg Discovery. It includes a navigation radar detector developed by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). Kongsberg NanoAvionics has manufactured and launched 40 satellites to date.
The satellites are operated by Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), which will use their international network of downloading stations to provide high frequency and low latency surveillance data for both the Norwegian Government as well as international customers.
“KONGSBERG has been active in the space segment for decades, delivering high-end technology and solutions, but this successful launch marks a milestone for us as we will own and operate the satellites for the first time,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
KONGSBERG companies and subsidiaries cover the full value chain to offer next-generation satellite services, from delivering our own micro satellites and ground stations to market-leading data processing and analytics. KONGSBERG is uniquely positioned tcmplete system solutions combing space segment with the ground systems to enhance data delivery and reduce latency. A central part of KONGSBERG’s capability is the ability to assemble, integrate and test satellites with sensitive and national controlled payloads in our facilities.