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!

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

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

ITU WRC – Impact the future of global communication systems

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

Furthermore, there were three important overall reasons for participating in the ITU World Radio Conference:

Spectrum Allocation: The ITU World Radio Conference plays a critical role. It determines international spectrum allocations for various services, including satellite communications. Specifically, Space Norway participates to advocate for and secure crucial spectrum allocations for their satellite operations. This participation ensures access to specific frequency bands necessary for their satellite services. It enables efficient and interference-free communication.

Policy Influence and Networking: Attending the conference provides Space Norway with the opportunity to engage with global stakeholders. These include regulators, industry experts, and other satellite operators. By participating in discussions, presenting technical findings, and contributing to policy debates can help shape international regulations and policies concerning satellite communications. Moreover, building relationships and networks within the industry can also lead to potential collaborations and partnerships.

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. Consequently, Space Norway can gain insights into emerging technologies, best practices, and future opportunities. This knowledge can be instrumental in guiding their strategic planning and investment decisions. Additionally, it helps in developing 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 it advocates for its interests. Additionally, it helps to secure favorable regulations to support its operations. Furthermore, it enables Space Norway to remain at the forefront of technological advancements in the satellite industry.

Specifically, the most important discussions for Space Norway focused on the operation of non-geostationary satellites and related services. These discussions pertained to ITU Resolution 35. It directly relates to conditions and requirements to which Space Norway’s Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission project must adhere.

However, Space Norway also had interests in other topics. For example, these included the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and Earth Exploration-Satellite Services (EESS) such as satellites utilising Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR).

A pioneer in space efforts

“With years of experience in the industry, a deep understanding of technology, and a clear mandate from the Norwegian state, we’re poised to drive satellite development and advance space systems in Norway,” Stølan explains.

Stølan emphasizes that Space Norway plays a crucial role in supporting national security.

“We’re responsible for developing and managing space services for use by government agencies and society at large.”

Strong foundation for further growth

Historically, Space Norway has been a relatively small company in terms of its workforce. “Over time, we’ve grown in the number of highly competent employees, giving us a strong foundation for further growth,” says Stølan.

He refrains from discussing specific future plans.

“While I can’t provide details yet, we have exciting things in progress,” he promises.

Commitment to innovation

Stølan is committed to ensuring that Space Norway is a reliable service provider.

“We aim to meet customer expectations, building trust and proving ourselves worthy of it.”

Stølan highlights Space Norway’s priorities, promising a continued emphasis on innovation in close dialogue with potential customers.

He assures that Space Norway’s vision shapes the company’s future.

“Our vision is to deliver advanced space systems that meet the needs of Norwegian society. We’re dedicated to making this vision a reality.”

Thermo vacuum test

Space Norway’s two large ASBM satellites that will be launched in mid 2024, are in a very important test phase. Both have successfully come out of the thermo vacuum test, and the first one is out of the dynamics test.

Space Norway has chosen to launch the two satellites using a Falcon 9 rocket, and consequently the test parameters are based on exactly the same sound characteristics as this rocket has.

ASBM satellites tested – craftmanship put to the test

The satellites go through the dynamics test to make sure the mechanical design is good enough to withstand the extreme conditions inside the rocket fairing during launch. The craftmanship, together with the analyses made during building, are put to the test. Are they solid enough, have the analyses held up?

To make it as realistic as possible, the test is done with the solar panels and the reflectors folded, like they will be during launch. These are paid close attention to during testing, to make sure they don’t move or twist and losen or damage some of the equipment.

Three phases

The dynamics test has three phases; acoustic, vibration and shock. The testing starts carefully with increasing intensity until maximum agreed vibration is reached. Those of us who have seen rocket launches on TV have seen a lot of smoke and flames during take-off, and it is easy to imagine how severely the shaking and vibration is when the powers that lift the 7,200 kg load are released.

To simulate these conditions, the satellites are attached to a ring like the one used inside the rocket, and they are submitted to shaking, swinging and vibration along all the three axes.

Infernally loud

What the TV screen does not tell us, is the sound level of a launch. It is infernally loud. Sound is vibration being interpreted by our ears, and phase two of the test is done inside the acoustic chamber.

Northrop Grumman, who builds the satellites for Space Norway, have leased loudspeakers from the sound production company MSI, who deliver sound to live concerts.

Realistic simulation of a launch

The loudspeakers are stacked on top of each other in seven meter high columns, forming a circle around the satellites, giving a realistic simulation of a launch.

The satellites are placed on a platform in the middle of the room, exposed to around 135dB. The sound level of a rock concert is normally around 100dB or a bit above. But remember that the dB scale is logarithmic, meaning that 103dB is double the sound level as 100dB, and 106dB is double of that again.

In the Northrop Grumman chamber, the level is 135dB – 3,000 times louder than a normal concert.

Separation shock

In the third and last phase of the test, the satellites are given a separation shock. This simulates the push they are given when released from the rocket in their journey to orbit.

Continually testing

During the building process, satellites are tested continually. For each new unit that is mounted on the satellite, its functionality is tested, both alone and together with all the other units. Both ASBM-1 and ASBM-2 have more than 100 units each, and when all units are connected the satellite is tested over again several times.

One of the most comprehensive tests is the TVAC. It is imperative that the satellites be tested for all the different conditions they will experience, both during launch and in orbit.