Kongsberg to Source 3 Satellites from NanoAvionics, Lithuania for Maritime Surveillance in North Sea

Kongsberg said it is procuring three satellites from Lithuanian company NanoAvionics for maritime surveillance in the North Sea, to establish Norway's first satellite constellation.

The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) said on May 3 that they have developed instruments for satellite-based maritime surveillance.

In combination with advanced data analysis, the surveillance capacity will contribute to defence operations and Norway's important role in surveillance of the High North. In addition, rapid identification of vessels engaged in environmental crime, illegal fishing, smuggling and other illegal activities is made possible, as well as supporting search and rescue for vessels in distress.

The satellites will be equipped with instrumentation developed by KONGSBERG to include '"Automatic Identification System" reporting (AIS) and a FFI-developed navigation radar detector that analyzes vessels' radar use. Combining these provides an overview of ship traffic in the area, to include detection of vessels not reporting correct AIS data. The satellites will also have an encryption solution, developed by the Norwegian company Eidel, which provides secure communication with the satellites.

“Norway has maritime areas that are five times our own land area. This satellite constellation with newly developed capacities gives Norway strengthened capacity for surveillance of our sea areas. This will strengthen Norway's role as NATO in the North which is important in the current tense geopolitical situation. At the same time, it contributes to several civilian purposes for control in Norwegian sea areas. This will also expand Norwegian space expertise building our national capacities and ability within what is becoming an increasingly critical infrastructure,” says Kenneth Ruud, Director General of FFI.

The satellites will be operated by Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT). As part of the strengthened investment, a new 6,000 square meter building, with specialized facilities for the development and production of products to be launched into space, is also under construction in the city of Kongsberg. The investment in a new building and the three satellites has a total budget of approximately NOK 300 million.