Kongsberg NanoAvionics (NanoAvionics) recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching the first of three initial microsatellites for Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace’s N3X constellation. This launch is part of a five-year contract awarded in 2024 by the Norwegian Armed Forces to KONGSBERG for providing maritime surveillance data.
The ARVAKER I satellite was launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on 15 March. Shortly after deployment, NanoAvionics’ mission control established two-way communication with the spacecraft, maintaining the company’s impressive 100% first-contact success rate across more than 45 missions to date.
The N3X constellation, based on NanoAvionics’ flight-proven MP42H microsatellite bus, will play a crucial role in providing maritime surveillance data to multiple Norwegian government agencies, including the Armed Forces, the Coastal Administration, the Directorate of Fisheries, and Norwegian Customs. This constellation will also offer excess data collection capability outside Norwegian Areas of Interest, which will be available for international users.
Equipped with surveillance instruments developed by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment and delivered by Kongsberg Discovery, ARVAKER I and its counterparts will enhance maritime security by detecting vessels involved in illegal fishing, smuggling, environmental crimes, and other unlawful activities. These satellites will also assist in search and rescue operations for ships in distress.
Atle Wøllo, CEO of Kongsberg NanoAvionics, emphasized the importance of advanced maritime surveillance in today’s world, stating, “The need for advanced maritime surveillance has never been greater, as shown by recent global events. It is a great achievement that our proven microsatellite platforms keep helping governmental customers meet these growing challenges in national security applications. Our NewSpace 3.0 philosophy brings commercial space agility to the governmental domain without sacrificing the reliability required by these applications.”
ARVAKER I is just the first step in the deployment of the N3X constellation. The following two satellites, ARVAKER II and III, are set to launch on an upcoming Transporter mission later this year. Once operational, the constellation will significantly expand Norway’s ability to monitor its areas of interest, reinforcing national security and maritime domain awareness.
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, expressed his excitement about this successful launch, stating, “KONGSBERG has been active in the space segment for decades, delivering high-end technology and solutions, but this successful launch marks a milestone for us as we will own and operate the satellites for the first time.”
Overall, the successful launch of ARVAKER I marks a significant achievement in the field of maritime surveillance and national security. With the N3X constellation set to enhance Norway’s monitoring capabilities, this project highlights the importance of advanced technology in safeguarding maritime interests and ensuring global security.
