Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has officially entered the space industry as a satellite operator and service provider following the successful launch of its first microsatellite, ARVAKER 1 N3X, from California. The satellite was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base as part of SpaceX’s Transporter 13 launch service.
A Major Milestone for KONGSBERG
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, highlighted the significance of the launch:
“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.”
KONGSBERG’s expansion into satellite operations marks a strategic shift, enabling the company to deliver advanced satellite services directly to its clients.
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End-to-End Satellite Solutions
KONGSBERG and its subsidiaries are now positioned to offer comprehensive satellite solutions, covering the full value chain from satellite production to ground station operations and data processing. The company’s capabilities include:
- Designing and manufacturing microsatellites
- Operating ground stations
- Providing advanced data processing and analytics
- Delivering low-latency data for real-time decision-making
A key strength of KONGSBERG is its ability to assemble, integrate, and test satellites with sensitive and nationally controlled payloads at its specialized facilities.
Maritime Surveillance Contract with the Norwegian Government
In 2024, KONGSBERG secured a five-year contract from the Norwegian Armed Forces, acting on behalf of the Norwegian government, to provide maritime surveillance data. As part of this contract, KONGSBERG will launch three satellites to monitor Norwegian Areas of Interest.
The surveillance data will be used by multiple Norwegian government agencies, including:
- Norwegian Armed Forces
- Coastal Administration
- Directorate of Fisheries
- Norwegian Customs
Advanced Satellite Technology
The new satellites, designated MP42H, are produced by Kongsberg NanoAvionics and are equipped with advanced payloads, including:
- Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers
- Detector systems provided by Kongsberg Discovery
- Navigation radar detectors developed by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI)
Kongsberg NanoAvionics has already produced and launched 40 satellites to date.
Global Operations and Data Delivery
The satellites will be operated by Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), which will leverage its extensive international network of ground stations to provide high-frequency and low-latency data. This data will support both Norwegian government operations and international customers, strengthening maritime situational awareness and security.
