Kongsberg will deliver a microsatellite for Norwegian maritime surveillance. Photo: Kongsberg

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Kongsberg) won a new contract in the maritime surveillance arena. It has been tapped by the European Space Agency (ESA) to deliver space-based maritime surveillance services for the Norwegian government. Kongsberg will develop one satellite for the precursors mission of the Arctic Ocean Surveillance (AOS) project. The contract was announced Nov. 7.

This AOS mission was initiated by the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA) and is part of the Arctic Surveillance Program initiative from NOSA, the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, and the Coastal Administration. It will be the precursor to a series of satellites for space-based maritime surveillance. The first part of AOS program will offer real-time satellite-based surveillance services to support and secure Norwegian national interests and sovereignty at sea.

The project will be realized by a consortium led by Kongsberg and consisting of subsidiaries Kongsberg NanoAvionics, Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), Kongsberg Discovery together with EIDEL & FFI. The MP42 spacecraft platform will be produced by Kongsberg NanoAvionics.

“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 through the delivery of satellites for surveillance data services,” Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, said in a statement.