The AOS mission was initiated by the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA) as part of its Arctic Surveillance Programme, in partnership with the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), and the Coastal Administration. This precursor satellite will set the stage for a constellation of satellites dedicated to safeguarding Norway’s maritime interests in the Arctic region.
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, said, “This contract strengthens our leading position as a prime contractor for developing and deploying space-based assets, such as small satellite constellations, to meet Norwegian and global demands for maritime situational awareness.” The AOS project highlights Kongsberg’s growing role in providing vital surveillance data services via satellite technology.
Christian Hauglie-Hanssen, Director General of NOSA, added, “NOSA is pleased that Kongsberg will be developing the AOS precursor satellite, a critical step in establishing a national capability for maritime domain awareness. Our partnership with ESA will greatly enhance the national industrial value chain, positioning KONGSBERG as a key prime contractor and systems integrator for future national missions.”
A consortium led by Kongsberg, including subsidiaries Kongsberg NanoAvionics, Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), and Kongsberg Discovery, as well as EIDEL and FFI, will execute the project. Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce the MP42 spacecraft platform, while Kongsberg Discovery and FFI will integrate the Automatic Identification System (AIS), passive radar detection, and a secure satellite link provided by EIDEL.
The satellite will launch from Andøya Spaceport, located near the Arctic Ocean. Following launch, Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) will manage satellite control, data transmission, and ground station services, utilising its global network of downloading stations to deliver high-frequency, low-latency data to the Norwegian government.
Source: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
