The Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has launched its first microsatellite into space and has thus entered the space industry as a satellite operator and service provider.
The satellite, called ARVAKER 1 N3X, was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as part of SpaceX's Transporter 13 launch service, according to a Kongsberg press release.
Kongsberg's companies and subsidiaries reportedly cover the entire value chain to provide next-generation satellite services, from providing its own microsatellites and ground stations to data processing and analysis. Kongsberg is positioned to deliver complete system solutions that combine the space segment with ground systems to improve data transmission and reduce latency. A key capability of Kongsberg is to integrate and test satellites with sensitive and government-controlled payloads in its own facilities.
In 2024, Kongsberg was awarded a contract by the Norwegian Armed Forces to provide maritime surveillance data to cover Norwegian areas of interest. Under the five-year contract, Kongsberg will launch three satellites, the company writes.
According to the announcement, the data will be used by the Norwegian Armed Forces and other Norwegian government institutions involved in maritime security.
The MP42H satellites are manufactured by Kongsberg NanoAvionics and are equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers and detector systems supplied by Kongsberg Discovery. This includes a navigation radar detector developed by the Norwegian Defense Research Institute (FFI). Kongsberg NanoAvionics has manufactured and launched 40 satellites to date, according to the press release.
The satellites are operated by Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), which intends to use its international network of download stations to provide high-frequency, low-latency surveillance data for both the Norwegian government and international customers.
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https://www.hartpunkt.de/kongsberg-nimmt-seinen-ersten-satelliten-in-betrieb/
