The new capacity is intended to improve revisit rates and provide near real-time coverage of maritime areas. It will also expand the supply of surveillance data to Norwegian authorities and international partners.
The programme builds on three N3X satellites launched in 2025 that are already in operation. Kongsberg said their performance and operational value provided the basis for the expansion.
Each spacecraft carries an Automatic Identification System receiver and passive radio-frequency sensors. The combination allows operators to detect dark vessels, identify AIS spoofing and monitor other unusual maritime activity.
The Norwegian Armed Forces use N3X data alongside several civilian agencies. These include the Norwegian Coastal Administration, the Directorate of Fisheries and Norwegian Customs.
“Rapidly deploying secure space-based capabilities is more critical than ever, and we are proud to contribute to Norway’s resilience and situational awareness from orbit,” said Eirik Lie, CEO of Kongsberg. He said the decision also reflected the company’s ability to deliver integrated satellite, ground-infrastructure and data-service systems.
The programme combines advanced payloads with satellite platforms supplied by Kongsberg NanoAvionics. KSAT provides ground services and satellite operations, while Kongsberg handles system integration and secure data delivery.
Colonel John-Arild Bodding, Commander of Norwegian Armed Forces Space Operations Center, said: “The operational results achieved with the first three satellites have confirmed the value of space-based maritime surveillance as an important component of our situational awareness capabilities. Expanding the constellation will further improve coverage, responsiveness, and our ability to monitor activities of interest in maritime areas.”
Kongsberg owns all satellites in the constellation and operates N3X as a dual-use system. The network supplies data to government and commercial customers, while surplus capacity is provided to allied countries.
Further capacity remains available for allied and partner nations seeking maritime domain awareness data. N3X forms part of Kongsberg’s wider space portfolio, which also includes multi-sensor intelligence systems, satellite communications and space situational awareness capabilities.
