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Upgrading the future: TT&C antenna modernisation with NPC SYSTEM.

Upgrading Nittedal teleport TT&C antenna with NPC SYSTEM.
Nittedal teleport antennas undergo regular servicing. Photo: Kilian Munch.

Space Norway is dedicated to maintaining the health and precision of its THOR satellite fleet. To ensure the longevity and robust performance of its Tracking Telemetry and Command (TT&C) antennas, Space Norway has partnered with NPC SYSTEM for a comprehensive upgrade.

Ensuring longevity of TT&C antennas

As the leading European satellite operator, one of the key aspects of Space Norway’s work is  the control and operation of their THOR fleet of satellites, this includes maintaining satellite health, tracking their positions and altering their precise location as needed. To this end, Space Norway operates six antennas whose primary role is maintaining command uplinks and telemetry downlinks between the satellites and the company’s Satellite Control Centre in Oslo.

These Tracking Telemetry and Command (TT&C) antennas have recently undergone an upgrade to ensure they remain operational over the coming years. With four antennas located at Space Norway’s Nittedal ground station and a further two providing redundancy from the Eik Teleport in the Southwest of Norway, this project has taken a number of years to complete.

Nittedal Teleport
NIttedal teleport is one of Europe's largest and most northerly earth stations. Photo: Kilian Munch.

Choosing NPC SYSTEM for robust solutions

Explains Ole Martin Grønli, Senior Project Manager, Satcom at Space Norway, “Back in 2019 we started reaching out to suppliers of tracking systems that could provide a product that would be sufficiently robust for our quite challenging requirements. Having spoken to a number of possible companies, we decided to opt for NPC SYSTEM as they not only offered a complete range of products and custom solutions that would fit our needs, but also were able to handle the installation, working closely with our own engineers.”

The product chosen by Space Norway is the NEYRPIC 5100 tracking system. Since Space Norway operates five monopulse antennas (which update position continually rather than the more widely used step-track antennas which update every 10-20-minutes), the demands the company places on its tracking system are higher and require a tighter tracking specification.

Ground antenna at Nittedal teleport
Nittedal teleport TT&C antenna now ready for service following NPC SYSTEM upgrade. Photo: Kilian Munch.

Successful collaboration and future prospects

The first NPC SYSTEM installation at Space Norway was completed in May 2021 when the previous antenna control units on the six antennas were replaced with the NPC SYSTEM ACU550. Despite some initial teething problems, the Space Norway team decided that NPC SYSTEM would be the best choice for its overall upgrade of the entire fleet of TT&C antennas which began in 2022. This proved to be a good choice as the  project was driven smoothly through to completion.

Space Norway’s Chief Operations Engineer, Peter Elliott, adds, “I think it’s fair to say that the engineering teams both learned from each other –  we were able to communicate directly with key people in their team as they finessed the product design in response to some random behaviours which occurred during testing.”

Guy Ferraro
Chief Executive Officer, NPC SYSTEM.

‘’We were deeply honoured by Space Norway’s decision to choose us for this upgrade program. We collaborated closely to establish an efficient and constructive framework for communication between our teams throughout the project. The quality of these exchanges, along with the outstanding performance results of the installed monopulse tracking systems, stands as a testament to the success of this partnership.”

Tomorrow-ready with NPC SYSTEM

The successful upgrade of Space Norway’s Tracking Telemetry and Command (TT&C) antennas with NPC SYSTEM’s NEYRPIC 5100 tracking system marks a significant milestone for the company. The collaboration between Space Norway and NPC SYSTEM has proven to be highly effective, ensuring the robust performance required for the THOR fleet’s precise tracking needs.

This project not only highlights Space Norway’s commitment to maintaining and advancing its satellite operations but also underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving technological excellence. Space Norway is well-positioned to continue delivering reliable satellite services, supported by its state-of-the-art TT&C infrastructure.

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Smooth cruising for IONA with connectivity from Space Norway and Telenor Maritime.

Norwegian fjord where IONA offers cruise routes

As a result of a longstanding partnership with Telenor Maritime, Space Norway has successfully provided connectivity for the IONA, the largest cruise ship commissioned by P&O Cruises and owned by Carnival Cruises.

A first for P & 0 and a first for Space Norway!

Representing a first for P & O Cruises, IONA was the largest cruise ship commissioned for P&O by owner Carnival Cruises at the time of its delivery in October 2020. Additionally, it was a first for Space Norway in delivering ongoing connectivity for a cruise liner of this size. Featuring a unique glass ‘sky dome’, the ship can carry 5206 passengers and operates with a crew of 1762. This means there are approximately 7000 people onboard at any one time, all dependent on the safe and secure running of the vessel. She was also the first LNG-powered vessel dedicated to the British market. As such, she also fits many of the environmental requirements of modern ships.

 

IONA is put through her paces with connectivity from Space Norway

As with all new builds, the ship underwent sea trials which took place over the course of a few weeks when systems were checked. The sea trials proved to be very successful, so Telenor Maritime was appointed to provide connectivity services for the ship. They subsequently gave the contract for the supply of satellite communications to Space Norway whose THOR satellite would support IONA’s operational needs.

Space Norway’s Director Data Services division, Jan Hetland, explains that the close working relationship between all parties was a key component to the success of the switch to the new, Space Norway service from the company which had supplied connectivity during the trials. “We are very pleased to be trusted with providing the connectivity for P&O’s IONA. Due to their size and complex operational requirements, these ships require highly reliable communications and a sophisticated network setup. Add to this the fact that service had to be transitioned from the previous service provider literally without interruption as the vessel operates 24/7/365. This was made possible through close technical coordination between Space Norway, Telenor Maritime and Carnival staff, laying the foundation for further projects in the near future.”

Initially IONA was operating standard weekly routes to the Canary Islands but, from the end of April, its itinerary switched further north to the Norwegian Fjords to make the most of the longer summer days.

 

Northerly route requires a specialist satellite operator

To accommodate the challenging northerly position, Space Norway changed the satellite feed over to its THOR 5 satellite, supported by ground services from the company’s Nittedal Teleport.

Space Norway is currently providing IONA with 170 Mbps (110 / 60 Mbps) through its Anker Managed service on Ku-band on the ST Engineering iDirect Dialog platform. This is part of a hybrid service that includes elements of LEO satellite communications to support customer and crew wi-fi usage and internet browsing. The geostationary service provided by Space Norway covers the critical operational aspects of the vessel including navigation, weather mapping, monitoring, data collection and 4G mobile network – GEOs tend to be more stable and so can provide a more robust service where safety and security are an issue.

The hybrid systems remain in balance as a result of an advanced connectivity platform which makes sure capacity is taken as needed from either the GEO or LEO satellite feeds.

 

The unique internet challenges of Norway’s rugged coastline

If cruise liners in general impose particular challenges on satellite communications, this is taken to another level entirely when you introduce the geography of the Norwegian Fjords, long, deep and narrow inlets created from the retreat of glaciers and surrounded by craggy mountains. This is where the THOR satellite fleet comes into its own as it has a great look angle from 1⁰ West helping to minimise the shadowing from the southern mountains which would obstruct the sight of the satellite. Space Norway is able to provide the best possible connectivity in these particular circumstances due to the position of the THOR fleet.

 

A truly robust connectivity service is essential for IONA

Of course, when operating a large and heavily populated vessel such as a cruise liner, there are many demands on the ship that wouldn’t be there on, for example, a cargo vessel. Paying guests expect a luxury experience and so are less forgiving when personal connectivity lets them down. Obviously, safety systems are always paramount, particularly when so many passengers and crew are dependent on  a truly resilient service. Space Norway’s unique satellite look angle is supported by two VSAT antennas onboard IONA so that connectivity is ‘always on’.

But it’s not only the operations that are critical, on cruises in general there is a heavy demand for high uptime. Operations are critical but the revenue-generating aspects are equally significant, and clients expect superior QoS without any latency or connection loss when they are onboard.

 

A successful result for all involved

Although connectivity from Space Norway has been delivered to many passenger fleets with large numbers of guests over the years, this was the first time that the company had provided satellite connectivity outside of sea trials for such a large cruise liner.

Sveinung Sætre
Sales Manager, Cruise, Telenor Maritime.

“It’s another level of detailing and planning that has been required and we are delighted to say that it has been a positive experience for us and also for P&O’s owners, Carnival. Space Norway was happy to have regular meetings with our client and put in all the necessary resources to ensure a good outcome to the benefit of all concerned.”

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Space Norway confirms the successful launch of its ASBM satellites.

Falcon 9 carrying Space Norway's ASBM 1 & 2 satellites into the HEO orbit.
Falcon 9 carrying Space Norway's ASBM 1 & 2 satellites into the HEO orbit. Photo: SpaceX.

Space Norway’s constellation of two large communication satellites was launched with a Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, at 04:02 am Norwegian time, Monday morning, August 12, 2024.

Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission is on the way

Space Norway is proud to announce that everything appears to be going according to plan so far, and we have received the first, crucial signals from both satellites.

This project marks several historical milestones in both Norwegian and international space history.
– These are Norway’s first satellites in a highly elliptical orbit (HEO).
– This is Norway’s largest space project to date.
– It is the first time anyone has sent a commercial broadband payload into HEO.
– It is the first time TAP-orbit (Three Apogee Period, with each orbit lasting 16 hours) is being used.
– It is the first time the USA is sending a military payload aboard non-American satellites.
– It is the first time we see a collaboration between allied, governmental, and commercial interests to achieve a space program that is strategically important for all parties involved.

The satellites are now on their way to their orbit, a process that will take a couple of weeks. These are complex satellites, and Space Norway will formally take ownership after a period of testing and verification in their final orbits. Users in the Arctic are expected to be able to utilise this new capability by the beginning of 2025.

Press inquiries

Tanja C. K. Spydevold

Title
Advisor, Space Norway.
Tel
+47 909 57 076

Find out more about ASBM

  • Ready for the launch of the ASBM satellites.

    Press release
    Read more
    Falcon 9 rocket ready to launch Space Norway HEO satellites.

  • ASBM handover marks an important milestone.

    Press release
    Read more
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Press release

Ready for the launch of the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission satellites.

Falcon 9 rocket ready to launch Space Norway HEO satellites.
Falcon 9 rocket. Photo: SpaceX.

Norway’s largest space project to date – Space Norway is to launch satellites providing broadband coverage to the Arctic.

Expected time of launch is next week.

Space Norway’s program for broadband to the Arctic is completed, and the two large satellites launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellites, measuring 3x3x4 meters, with a wingspan of 27 meters, weighing 3,5 tons each, will launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellites will provide continuous broadband coverage to aircraft, ships, research vessels, fishing vessels, cruise ships, expeditions and troops operating in the Arctic by using a Highly Elliptical Orbit.

The Norwegian Armed Forces will operate a critical communication capability, for use in cooperation with allied forces operating in the high north. Existing geo stationary satellites do not offer coverage north of 75 degrees, where end users up until now have relied on one way radio communication or Iridium satellite phones.

The satellites carry payloads from the satellite communication company Viasat, the Norwegian Armed Forces as well as the U.S. Space Force. One of the satellites carries a radiation monitor developed in Norway, designed to map the radiation environment in space, a knowledge crucial to the European Commission´s development of future satellites.

The Arctic has been named Norway’s most important area of interest by several governments, and with this launch, Norway controls important communication services in an area that up until now has been without broadband coverage.

“This is a milestone in Norwegian space history. It is important to our country, it is important to us as a company, but most of all it is important for those who operate and work from Svalbard and further north”, says Morten Tengs CEO, Space Norway. “On behalf of the team and the whole company, I am very proud to see this huge endeavor realized. This mission shows what we are capable of as well as giving a hint of what the future will bring”, Tengs says.

“This satellite program is a ground- breaking effort in an allied, governmental & commercial collaboration. It is a showcase of how governmental and commercial needs can be met at a critical point for all involved. Our focus in this mission is the value it creates for civil users such as ships, aircraft and governmental users such as rescue services and the coastguard, as well as national and allied forces”, says ASBM Program Director Kjell-Ove Orderud Skare.

The satellites will be released from the rocket at 160 kilometers altitude and will spend ten days using their own engines raising to their highly elliptical orbit at 44, 000 kilometers over the northern hemisphere and 8, 000 kilometers over the southern hemisphere. The Falcon 9 booster will land and be reused after carrying the satellites into space. Once in orbit, the satellites will be operated from the newly built operations center in Tromsø. End users are likely to be able to use the connection from late autumn.

The life span of the satellites is estimated at 15 years and the program has an investment frame of USD 450M, with all capacity sold for all 15 years.

Press inquiries

Tanja C. K. Spydevold

Title
Advisor, Space Norway.
Tel
+47 909 57 076
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Space Norway makes changes in senior management.


Morten Tengs, CEO, Space Norway.
Morten Tengs, CEO, Space Norway. Photo: Kilian Munch

Space Norway has announced changes in its senior management team, with new appointments and leadership roles to drive the company’s strategic initiatives.

The board of Space Norway has appointed Morten Tengs as acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Space Norway, effective from June 1 of this year. He transitions from his previous role as CEO of Telenor Satellite.

Dag H. Stølan, current CEO of Space Norway, will assume a new position as Executive Vice President of the company.

“With the acquisition of Telenor Satellite, Space Norway has become the largest satellite operator in Northern Europe. The company plays a pivotal role in the Norwegian space industry and is a major international satellite operator, and it is a goal for Space Norway to be a driving force in the further development of Norwegian and international satellite industry. Against this backdrop, I have recommended to the board that Space Norway should change its senior management. I am pleased that Morten Tengs will lead the company until a new permanent CEO is appointed,” says the outgoing CEO Dag H. Stølan.

Morten Tengs has been leading Telenor Satellite since 2013. He will be replaced by Peter Olsen, who until now has served as the Director of Business Development at Telenor Satellite.

“I have accepted the position of interim CEO of Space Norway and look forward to building on the strong foundation that Dag H. Stølan has established,” says Morten Tengs.

Press inquiries

Randi Ellingsen

Title
Head of PR and Communication, Space Norway.
Tel
+47 988 77 675

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Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) is getting close to launch.

The ASBM program conducted the important compatibility test for ASBM-1 last December 2023. This is a verification test for communication between the ground system and our two large ASBM satellites.

Compatibility test for the ASBM satellites

The test is divided into two parts. Both the satellite provider Northrop Grumman and HEOSAT test communication between their respective control rooms and the satellites, to ensure that both parts function both during launch and when the satellites are deployed after testing in space.

During the construction of the satellites and payloads, all physical parts and software have been tested in various ways, many times. First individually, and then as a complete system. The tests in the Satellite Operation Center (SOC) have been performed in a satellite simulator, which is a digital copy of the ASBM satellites. During this important compatibility test, the SOC is directly connected to the satellites to receive telemetry and send commands for the first time. The operations center is tested together with the actual satellite, with actual radio signals.

Our two ASBM satellites are in the final stages of the many tests required before launch. One of the final tests is the Near Field Range test (NFR) where the beam patterns from the antennas are measured. While this test is ongoing, the compatibility test is also conducted. The reason the compatibility test is done while the satellite is in NFR is that when the satellites are finally in operation, all communication is done via radio signals.

Ranging is tested, meaning that by using radio signals sent from the ground segment, the satellite’s location is known at all times. The test ensures that the satellite is able to deliver telemetry to the SOC, and finally, it is ensured that commands can be sent to the satellites and that they can receive communication and execute what they are asked to do.

As with the end-to-end test, all hands were on deck for this important event. Teams from both Space Norway, the satellite provider Northrop Grumman, KSAT, and our customers; the Norwegian and US Armed Forces as well as Viasat, were active in their parts of the ground network to verify data reception and report deviations for two consecutive days.

Coordinating all these actors is in itself a major task, and in the compatibility test, the entire operation is tested on cooperation, data flow, and deliveries. The compatibility test against the ASBM2 satellite was conducted early in March while it was in Near Field Range, and with this, an essential milestone for the entire ASBM program has been reached.

Both the ground segment and the satellite team can start looking forward to the launch!

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Reaching a final milestone

Near field range test for ASBM

 

 

Photo: Northrop Grumman

One of the final major milestones in the test regimen for our two ASBM satellites is complete. Near Field Range testing involves measuring the radio raditation diagrams from the antennas. This test is conducted as an integral part of the Final Integrated System Test (FIST).

FIST verifies that all systems are functioning as they should and have not been damaged after the two major tests, TVAC and dynamic tests, which subject the satellites to the same conditions as they will experience during launch and in their orbit in space.

During TVAC and dynamic testing, the antennas and solar panels are not deployed since they are folded together during launch. Therefore, functionality is tested on these essential components during FIST.

Antennas aboard a satellite receive and transmit signals, and before they are launched, tests are conducted to make sure the antennas do transmit signals to their exact intended destinations (read more about antennas and payloads here). When a satellite orbits as far out as 43,000 kilometers in space, the antennas cover a large area on Earth, and even a small deviation in the direction of the beam will result in significant variations in signal strengths across the covered areas.

Although the signals transmitted and received come from thousands of kilometers away, it is possible to measure the antennas inside a small room. Antennas operate on many different frequencies, and to conduct a proper test, it is important to avoid interference. Interference can occur either externally or by signals being reflected back from walls, ceilings, or other objects. Therefore, the antennas are tested in a chamber where the walls and ceiling are covered with pyramid-shaped structures that resemble the inside of an egg carton. When a signal is transmitted toward such a wall, the signal is absorbed into the pyramids instead of being reflected back as it would from a regular flat wall. The test is conducted by transmitting signals from the antenna to a movable receiver placed in front of the antenna, thereby verifying that the communication pattern is correct.

FIST verifies that all systems are functioning as they should and have not been damaged after the two major tests, TVAC and dynamic tests, which subject the satellites to the same conditions as they will experience during launch and in their orbit in space.

During TVAC and dynamic testing, the antennas and solar panels are not deployed since they are folded together during launch. Therefore, functionality is tested on these essential components during FIST.

Antennas aboard a satellite receive and transmit signals, and before they are launched, tests are conducted to make sure the antennas do transmit signals to their exact intended destinations (read more about antennas and payloads here). When a satellite orbits as far out as 43,000 kilometers in space, the antennas cover a large area on Earth, and even a small deviation in the direction of the beam will result in significant variations in signal strengths across the covered areas.

Although the signals transmitted and received come from thousands of kilometers away, it is possible to measure the antennas inside a small room. Antennas operate on many different frequencies, and to conduct a proper test, it is important to avoid interference. Interference can occur either externally or by signals being reflected back from walls, ceilings, or other objects. Therefore, the antennas are tested in a chamber where the walls and ceiling are covered with pyramid-shaped structures that resemble the inside of an egg carton. When a signal is transmitted toward such a wall, the signal is absorbed into the pyramids instead of being reflected back as it would from a regular flat wall. The test is conducted by transmitting signals from the antenna to a movable receiver placed in front of the antenna, thereby verifying that the communication pattern is correct.

The next time the antennas will be tested is during In Orbit Testing (IOT) after launch, where the signals will be compared with all previous tests to ensure that everything is functioning as planned.

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Press release

The acquisition of Telenor Satellite is finalised.

From left: Dag H. Stølan and Morten Tengs. Photo: Space Norway.
From left: Dag H. Stølan and Morten Tengs. Photo: Space Norway.

Positive to acquisition

In order to acquire Telenor Satellite, Space Norway needed the Norwegian Parliament’s approval to provide the necessary equity. Just before Christmas 2023, the Parliament provided Space Norway with equity.

According to Telenor Satellites’ CEO, Morten Tengs, the acquisition is a positive development for Telenor Satellite. He emphasises that Space Norway has some of the most innovative projects in this industry.

 

Finances with equity

Financed with equity, the government provided capital to Space Norway to finance the purchase of Telenor Satellite.

“We have had good cooperation with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries in the acquisition process. Now that we have ownership of Telenor Satellite, it provides new and significant opportunities for development and growth for Space Norway”, says Stølan.

Dag H. Stølan
CEO, Space Norway

“With this acquisition Space Norway is the largest and leading satellite environment in Norway. We are also a significant satellite operator in Europe.”

Ambitions for the future

Space Norway’s CEO has ambitious plans for the future of the group. You can read more about it in “High Ambitions for Norwegian Space Activities.”

According to Stølan, this purchase strengthens Norway’s capability for satellite services. “In addition, this is clearly positive for the Norwegian space industry,” says Stølan. The new organization will consist of around 170 employees located in the Oslo area and Tromsø. The transaction is valued at 2.36 billion Norwegian kroner on a cash and debt-free basis.

Morten Tengs, CEO, Space Norway.
Morten Tengs
CEO, Telenor Satellite

“We are pleased to be part of Space Norway. We are excited to bring our industry experience and expertise to the table. Together, we will continue to develop the Norwegian space sector as well as serve our clients throughout the Nordics and EMEA.”

Press inquiries

Randi Ellingsen

Title
Head of PR and Communication, Space Norway.
Tel
+47 988 77 675

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Space Norway participated at ITU WRC-23 in Dubai

The Norwegian WRC-23 delegation. Space Norway's representatives: Lars Løge (number 3 from the left) and Christer Varan (at the end from left).

WRC-23 ran over four weeks in November and December and is the culmination of several years of preparatory work within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

WRC-23 addressed necessary revisions of the Radio Regulations (RR), an international treaty between the 193 United Nations member states making up the ITU, on the use of the radio spectrum and coordination rules to provide access to it.

The conference, which convenes approximately every four years, was this time gathering more than 3.000 delegates in Dubai aiming to discuss and seek consensus on more than 40 different topics.

Impact the future of global communication systems

The decisions made at the ITU WRC are crucial as they impact the future of global communication systems, technology innovation, and the spectrum availability for various services. Satellite operators, telecommunications companies, regulatory bodies, and governments worldwide participated to ensure their interests were represented and contributed to shaping the future of radiocommunications.

There were three important overall reasons for participating in the ITU World Radio Conference:

  1. Spectrum Allocation: The ITU World Radio Conference plays a critical role in determining international spectrum allocations for various services, including satellite communications. Participating in the conference allows Space Norway to advocate for and secure spectrum allocations that are crucial for their satellite operations. This participation ensures access to specific frequency bands necessary for their satellite services, enabling efficient and interference-free communication.
  2. Policy Influence and Networking: Attending the conference provides Space Norway with the opportunity to engage with global stakeholders, including regulators, industry experts, and other satellite operators. Participating in discussions, presenting technical findings, and contributing to policy debates can help shape international regulations and policies concerning satellite communications. Building relationships and networks within the industry can also lead to potential collaborations and partnerships.
  3. Keeping Abreast of Technological Developments: The ITU World Radio Conference serves as a platform to stay updated on the latest technological advancements, trends, and innovations in the field of satellite communications. Space Norway can gain insights into emerging technologies, best practices, and future opportunities. This knowledge can be instrumental in guiding their strategic planning, investment decisions, and the development of new satellite systems that align with evolving global standards and technologies.

Discussions relating to the operation of non-geostationary satellites

By actively participating in the ITU World Radio Conference, Space Norway can ensure that its interests are represented, its operations are supported by favorable regulations, and that it remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the satellite industry.

Most important to Space Norway were the discussions relating to the operation of non-geostationary satellites and related services as pertaining to ITU Resolution 35, which directly relate to conditions and requirements to which the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission must adhere.

But Space Norway also had interests in topics relating to such topics as VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and Earth Exploration-Satellite Services (EESS) such as satellites utilizing Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR).

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Expanding the company

Space Norway acquires Telenor Satellite.

Dag Stølan, næringsminister Jan Christian Vestre og Dan Ouchterlony, Telenor Amp. Photo: Martin Fjellanger, Telenor
From the left: Dag Stølan, minister Jan Christian Vestre og Dan Ouchterlony, Telenor Amp. Photo: Martin Fjellanger, Telenor

With this acquisition, Space Norway becomes the leading environment for satellite operations in Norway as well as a considerable European satellite operator.

The transaction provides Norway with an enhanced national ability within satellite services and paves the way for growth and new satellite projects. A strong Norwegian satellite operator signifies opportunities for the entire national space industry.

Satellites are becoming increasingly important. Numerous essential and critical functions depend on satellites, such as search and rescue, communication, and monitoring of maritime traffic in Norway’s ocean waters.

“I see great business opportunities ahead. Combined pro forma turnover for these companies in 2022 was approximately NOK 1.8bn, with an EBITDA of approx. NOK 875 million and an order backlog of approx. NOK 13bn. Adding Telenor Satellite, the new company becomes a robust knowledge hub and a significant satellite environment. The process of acquiring a new satellite in the Thor series will start at once,” says CEO Dag Stølan at Space Norway.

“We are looking forward to becoming part of a strong company where satellite operation is core business, and together we will become the premier space environment in the country. Space Norway has some of the most innovative projects in this industry and we are excited to bring our knowledge and competence to the table,” says CEO Morten Tengs at Telenor Satellite.

“The Government will propose to the Parliament to issue equity to finance the acquisition of Telenor Satellite. The transaction will contribute to the establishment of a major Norwegian satellite operator which, together with a growing Norwegian space industry, can strengthen Norway as a space nation. At the same time, the acquisition ensures that Norway, in a time of increasing geopolitical unrest, maintains control over satellites crucial for critical societal functions and strategically important for the country,” says the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry, Jan Christian Vestre.

Telenor divests its satellite operations with this transaction, but will still need satellite capabilities. It has signed a letter of intent with Space Norway outlining continued cooperation on new satellite services.

“Telenor will no longer operate satellites and we will focus on our core business. We are confident that Space Norway is the best possible owner to further develop Telenor Satellite. The letter of Intent ensures continuity and quality in our customer services,” says EVP Dan Ouchterlony at Telenor.

The new organization will consist of approximately 170 people stationed in the Oslo area and in Tromsø. The transaction is valued at NOK 2,36 bn and is dependent on an equity issue approval by the Norwegian Parliament.