[Satellite TODAY 10-24-11] Space components and ground-station services provider Kongsberg has acquired Norwegian satellite equipment supplier Norspace for an undisclosed price, the companies confirmed Oct. 21.

   Kongsberg said it expects the deal to close by the end of October and that, once completed, the company would merge Norspace into its defense and aerospace business.

   Formerly Alcatel Space Norway, Norspace develops and builds on-board electronics for satellites. Last year, the company won its largest order worth 170 million Norwegian kroner ($30 million) to deliver frequency generators and search-and-rescue transponders for Europe’s Galileo satellite navigation system.

   “[The acquisition] enables us to exploit each other’s expertise and market positions to grow and develop new products and markets. A larger and more internationally robust standing would enable Kongsberg to seek new opportunities in the space sector,” Kongsberg Defense Systems CEO Harald Annestad said in a statement.

   In 2010, Norway’s space industry in reported revenues of 5.7 billion kroner ($1 billion), most of which was generated from exports.