Space Norway, a leading provider of satellite services and operator of critical infrastructure, is spearheading the venture. These satellites aim to enhance maritime monitoring for the Norwegian government, commercial entities, and international partners. United Kingdom based SSTL, renowned for manufacturing innovative satellite systems, will contribute its expertise in satellite design and elements of the payload.
SPN and SSTL have been working on the first spacecraft which is due for initial operational service in 2027. The technology on this spacecraft is unique, in that it is designed to provide exceptional high resolution, wide-swath coverage, providing surveillance of large maritime areas, with very low latency. This provides highly effective detection and classification of ships, which can then be correlated and validated with on-board AIS technology.
The agreement sets the framework for joint exploration of business opportunities, including tailoring the mission for international customers, exploring both service provisioning and satellite sales, as well as a combination of these.
This collaboration underscores SSTL and SPN’s shared commitment to advancing space technology solutions based on industry best practices.
CEO at SPN, Morten Tengs says:” We are excited to combine forces with our trusted partner SSTL in developing this cutting-edge satellite programme that leverages Norwegian technologies and capabilities and opens up new markets.”
Marte Kalveland, Director of Earth Observation and Innovation at SPN further adds: “Our radar technology is designed to deliver the long-anticipated High Resolution Wide Swath (HRWS) imaging dream. Once operational, the satellites will offer a unique capacity for surveillance of large areas with a real time high resolution, and we look forward to offering this to the global market.”
Says SSTL’s Andrew Cawthorne: “This agreement expands SSTL’s Synthetic Aperture Radar portfolio and allows us to offer variants of this spacecraft to customers that require privacy and priority of service over their own Area of Interest.”
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About Space Norway
Space Norway is Northern Europe’s leading satellite operator and a key player in the European space industry. We provide advanced and reliable connectivity solutions to governments, public and defence sectors, commercial maritime, land-based industries, and major broadcasters.
Our hybrid infrastructure, comprising satellites, teleports, fibre networks, and subsea fibre optic cables, enables us to deliver critical connectivity services across Europe, the Arctic, Antarctic, the Middle East, and Africa.
With industry-leading expertise, agility, and a commitment to excellence, we remain at the forefront of innovation. Our objective is to harness space for security and commercial growth - enriching life and expanding possibilities.
Space Norway is owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries.
Space Norway. Space for More.
About Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), based in Guildford, United Kingdom, and owned by Airbus Defence and Space has been at the forefront of small satellite innovation for over four decades and 74 satellite missions. With a strong reputation for reliability and cutting-edge technology, SSTL specialises in the design and manufacture of small satellite platforms, customer training programmes and complete satellite missions.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Andrew Greenhalgh, Head of Marketing, SSTL Email: AGreenhalgh@sstl.co.uk