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Important delivery from ASBM

Delivering valuable radiation data to the European Commission

How to efficiently protect satellites from damaging space radiation? Knowing when, where and how much is critical. As of Friday November 29th, Space Norway delivers important space radiation data to the European Commission.

On board Space Norway’s Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) is NORM – a space radiation monitor developed by IDEAS with the support of the European Space Agency and the Norwegian Space Agency.

“Data from this satellite will benefit various EU space programs such as Gallileo, Egnos, SST and Iris2. This partnership has flourished, demonstrating the close cooperation between Norway and the European union in the realm of space. This mission is really a statement to the power of international space cooperation”, says Christoph Kautz, Director for Satellite Navigation and Earth Observation, European Commission.

Since its launch on board ASBM-2 on August 11th, 2024, NORM has been successfully collecting radiation data, including during the important initial phase of orbit-raising. Now, in its nominal orbit, it measures radiation levels all along ASBMs highly elliptical polar orbit and sends it to down to earth.

Gives early warning

NORM has already been able to return valuable insight on the proton flux in orbit, notably during the recent solar storm on October 9th. The instrument observed a very large, rapid spike in proton differential flux over the course of a few days. Data such as this could be useful in providing early warning and assessing risks of ongoing solar activity. Preliminary in-orbit data from the electron channels illustrate the instrument’s ability to precisely characterise the outer radiation belt.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Bilde1.png

The satellite travels through both the inner and outer Van Allen Belts, enabling cross-calibration with other missions and providing observations of the highly variable particle intensities in these regions.

Representatives from the European Commission, Space Norway, IDEAS and The Norwegian Space Agency gathered in Oslo of Friday for a final review and to celebrate the conclusion of a successful project phase and start of operations.

“I really appreciate the relationships and trust we have been able to build between all parties in the project phase. I am also very happy to see that the service and data that we deliver to the EC is of good quality and in line with what we have worked towards over the last few years. We look forward to the continued cooperation and to deliver valuable data to the EC for many years to come,” says Matias Krogh Boge, SPN Project Director ASBM Radiation Data Service Project.

 

More information:

The Van Allen radiation belt consists of trapped particles from two belts of radiation that surround the Earth like enormous donuts. It is a zone of energetic charged particles, most of which originate from the solar wind, that are captured by and held around a planet by Earth’s magnetosphere. The magnetosphere traps the high energy radiation particles and shields the Earth from the solar storms and the constantly streaming solar wind that can damage technology as well as people living on Earth. The outer belt is made up of billions of high-energy particles that originate from the Sun and the inner belt results from interactions of cosmic rays with Earth’s atmosphere. The belts endanger satellites, which must have their sensitive components protected with adequate shielding if they spend significant time near that zone.

The European Union develops and operates space infrastructures such as Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, Space Surveillance and Tracking and later IRIS2. The NORM data will be useful for design, operations, and diagnosis for these EU missions, and beyond.

In addition, access to the data will be facilitated for the scientific community to contribute to the broader understanding of Sun-Earth interaction and of the effects of space weather on Earth’s magnetosphere, and other space-based technologies, including the derivation of nowcasting/forecasting products and warnings.

In addition, access to the data will be facilitated for the scientific community to contribute to the broader understanding of Sun-Earth interaction and of the effects of space weather on Earth’s magnetosphere, and other space-based technologies, including the derivation of nowcasting/forecasting products and warnings.

NORM‘s particle telescope is a stack of 9 silicon detector diodes and 5 absorbers, designed as an easily adaptable unit for satellite missions in GEO, LEO, and HEO.

The ASBM satellites, composed of 2 satellites placed in highly elliptical TAP orbits with an orbital period of 16 hours and crossing altitudes between 8,700 and 43,000 km provide broadband telecommunication over the Arctic.

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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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Advances in broadcasting through an Olympic prism.

Opening ceremony at 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer.
Opening ceremony at 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer. Photo: Rune Pedersen

As we gear up for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, the companies responsible for broadcast transmission of the iconic images worldwide must be at the top of their game. 

An Olympic veteran

With around 10,500 athletes representing 206 NOCs (National Olympic Committees) expected to deliver astounding performances, we look back at the behind-the-scenes action during the XVII Winter Olympics in Lillehammer.

When organising a global sporting event, it’s not only the sportsmen and -women who need to be at the peak of their powers. Erik Otto Evenstad, Senior Advisor, Spectrum Management at Space Norway, is very familiar with the demands placed on broadcasters during a monumental event such as the Olympic games as he worked on the 1994 Winter Olympics.

He had been working in the field of satellite communications at Televerket (the company that would ultimately become Telenor Satellite and, today, Space Norway) for approximately eight years prior to the games and had gained a broad spectrum of experience in satellite systems development.

Subsequently, he had worked on the newly established broadband communications service which opened the door for mobility users in maritime and offshore sectors, leading the way to today’s widespread connectivity on land, in the air and at sea.

The weather was a major worry

During the run-up to Lillehammer – a period of his life that he describes as magical and probably the most interesting weeks of his career – Erik Otto’s biggest concern was the weather. Throughout the previous three weeks, snow had been falling almost continuously and there was a great deal of concern about the implications for the games and how they would be broadcast.

Had the weather continued in that vein, there was a very good chance that events would have to be delayed because of danger to the athletes – for example lack of visibility could have caused the postponement of the downhill ski races while wind can have a massive effect on the safety of ski jumpers.

With many broadcasters renting available satellite capacity, any major delays would have had a huge impact on their ability to cover all major events.  And, bearing in mind that satellite communications were still relatively in their infancy in 1994, Televerket’s broadcast transmission, at that time, could also have been compromised by poor conditions, particularly picture quality.

Clear skies save the day

As it happened, the day of the opening ceremony, the weather took a turn for the better, and Lillehammer experienced 14 days of absolutely clear skies which showcased Norway and the skills of its satellite communications operators perfectly.

Erik Otto explains, “Although the clear skies meant that mornings were exceptionally cold and some events were delayed by an hour or two, a little bit of flexibility allowed everything to run smoothly. In those days of analogue transmissions, heavy precipitation could have seriously effected picture quality but I’m relieved to say that the pictures we transmitted were exceptionally good”.

Senior Advisor, Spectrum Management, Space Norway.
Erik Otto Evenstad
Senior Advisor, Spectrum Management, Space Norway.

“Nothing could be left to chance. We were determined that transmissions would happen in real time with the best possible picture quality and with the highest possible availability ‘on air’. Nittedal Earth Station was therefore a very important hub, and we put in place additional security to ensure that nothing would go wrong.”

99.9999% broadcast transmission availability

In addition to transmitting from our own Nittedal teleport in the eastern part of Norway, we called on the services of Eik ground station to make sure that antennas situated in the westerly part of the country could ‘see’ the satellites through the small window between horizontal earth obstructions, so extending the coverage we were able to offer.

Everything had to be tested in advance of the games, and we had to be sure that if one station failed, we had back redundancy built in to enable us to carry on transmitting. In the end, we had only 4 minutes of broken lines during the entire games, which corresponded to an availability of more than 99.9999% – a fantastic achievement of which we were all extremely proud.”

Flexibility was the key to success

30 outdoor terminals were needed to cover all the arrangements for the games and to distribute the programmes globally. Some of these were fixed at local sites, and some were mobile ‘buses’ which were placed directly at the arenas or close to them.  Flexibility was key as available transponder capacity varied from day to day.

Tormod Hermansen, CEO of Televerket at the time of the Lillehammer Winter Olympics, said that the company’s agility and dedication to putting the client at the centre of its focus influenced its technological and commercial approach and ensured it was victorious.

From analogue to digital broadcasting

Things are likely to be quite different for the Paris Summer Olympics this year. Not only will heat be a factor rather than cold, but technology has moved on in leaps and bounds in the past 30 years. Whereas mobile phone use was unusual in 1994, today smart phones will be used by hundreds of thousands of spectators to send photos and videos simultaneously around the world via satellite.

Erik Otto adds, “Now, the whole of Europe is covered with optical fibre ‘motor ways’, so much of the communications coming out of the Paris games will be via these networks. Whereas in 1994, there was mostly analogue distribution of videos, today everything happens digitally and broadcasters themselves will have far more specific requirements than we saw 30 years ago, and these companies will expect the service they receive to be adapted to the production needs of their own studios.

“Today, 25Mbit/s compressed contribution would be sufficient for most broadcasters. However, other clients, like for example BBC, will probably require two or three times the ‘normal’ bandwidth requirements as seen during the broadcasting of the D-Day ceremony in 2024 when they used 60 Mb/s. Moreover, some would also require 4k quality contribution links requiring much over 100 Mb/s (12 Gb/s non-compressed).”

Technical differences aside, one thing that is likely to remain the same is that the satellite operators delivering broadcast transmission will be putting as much effort into their side of the games as the athletes will put into their sports.

However, unlike the athletes, the broadcasters will hope that their efforts are completely invisible to the world at large, and that the only memories will be of world records being broken at Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

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Antenna upgrade to the Monica M&C system reaches the halfway point!

teleport antenna for raw satellite capacity, SCPC, VNO and VSAT platforms

Space Norway has reached the halfway mark in its extensive upgrade of Nittedal teleport ground station antennas, which includes transitioning to the Monica M&C systems.

Satellites and their supporting ground station are complex and substantial pieces of equipment representing a sizable financial investment, so it stands to reason that upgrades to either will be complex and time consuming.

Space Norway first embarked on a project to update its monitoring and control system (M&C) in 2019 when it was decided that it was time to prepare for the coming decade with more modern and future-proof technology. However, that was just the beginning of an installation process which has now just reached the halfway mark!

The first two years were spent identifying exactly what was needed for the antennas and sourcing potential suppliers. Having collated and analysed the information, the decision was taken to opt for the Monica Monitoring and Control system from Amphinicy Technologies, and so the Monica Project was born.

Nittedal Teleport
Nittedal teleport ranks among Europe's largest and world's most northerly satellite earth stations.

Why choose the Monica Monitoring and Control system?

Explains Sverre Aamodt, Space Norway’s Technical Lead, “We chose the Monica M&C solution as it was a modern, user-friendly product which would provide good longevity. The company itself was very supportive and quick to incorporate any functionality that we requested and communicated well with our engineers to ensure things would be exactly the way we required.”

The new M&C system for the antennas at Nittedal teleport monitors and controls the transmission equipment at the ground station including everything from combiners and splitters to amplifiers. While the antennas are out of service for the system upgrade, we also take the opportunity to make some further improvements to the antenna’s equipment which controls the tracking of the satellite, de-icing of antennas, and ensures that services are transmitted and received without any hitches.

“Space Norway is enhancing its infrastructure and systems by embracing cutting-edge technologies. With Monica M&C, the company achieves seamless and secure integration of its ground segment assets. The teleport in Nittedal is a central hub for managing satellite connectivity and service delivery to a large number of users. It has been a privilege to collaborate and learn from top industry experts. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity and the valuable experience gained by working on this project,” said Marjan Patača, a Presales Specialist at Amphinicy Technologies.

Antennas at Nittedal Teleport

Halfway point for ground station upgrade

We have now reached the halfway mark in the project and are delighted that the transitions to the new systems have run as smoothly as we had hoped. Connectivity for both our Data Services and Broadcast divisions are handled by these antennas so it was vital that we avoided any disruption to our operations.

The Monica Project team co-ordinates closely with our various business divisions as to when the upgrade to the antennas should be undertaken with minimal impact on customers. Fortunately, Space Norway maintains spare antennas, so traffic can be passed from one to another for the two months needed for the upgrade to take place. During the time the new Monica Monitoring and Control system is being installed, general maintenance takes place and then functionality and stability testing occurs throughout the remaining weeks.

Sverre adds, “The RF and Infrastructure department is most heavily involved in this work. We are also grateful to our Projects and IT Departments as well as the NOC for all the support they have given over the past few years. We are all expecting that the future installations which will be taking place until summer 2026 will progress just as smoothly.”

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Modern satellites and their role in supporting human space flight.

UN International Day of Human Space Flight

The first manned voyage into space took place on April 12, 1961, changing the course of space exploration and humanity itself. As we mark the UN International Day of Human Space Flight, Space Norway team reflects on the multi-faceted contributions of satellites to the progress of human space missions.

The first ever satellite was launched nearly 70 years ago, on October 4, 1957, arguably acting as the catalyst for all space exploration that has occurred since, and the role of satellites has been growing steadily from that time.

Today, satellites serve critical functions that benefit various ground-based enterprises, governments, military reconnaissance, and provide indispensable support for human spaceflight ventures.

Aiding the safety of human space flight

There is always an element of risk in human space travel, but satellites play a huge role in minimising that risk. Satellites have become indispensable tools for enhancing the safety, efficiency, and success of human spaceflight missions by providing essential communication, navigation, observation, and support capabilities.

Illustration of an astronaut in space.

Here are just some of the vital contributions they make today in supporting manned space missions:

Communication: Satellites facilitate communication between ground control centres and spacecraft, enabling astronauts to keep in touch with mission control, receive instructions, and send data back to Earth in real-time. Satellites also support voice, video, and data transmission for astronauts during missions so that they can maintain contact with their families and colleagues.

Navigation: It’s not just cars that rely on satellite-based navigation systems like GPS (Global Positioning System), they are also essential for spacecraft navigation and guidance, ensuring accurate positioning, velocity, and timing information for spacecraft both during launch and during docking manoeuvres, and not to mention the critical period of re-entry into the earth’s orbit.

Earth Observation: Satellites equipped with advanced sensors and imaging technology monitor the Earth’s surface, atmosphere, and environment so that astronauts can be prepared for landing their craft. This information aids in assessing weather conditions, tracking environmental changes, monitoring natural disasters, and selecting safe landing sites for the spacecraft.

Space Traffic Management: Satellites play a crucial role in managing the enormous amount of traffic found in space. They are able to track the positions and trajectories of both spacecraft and the debris including redundant satellites that are all to be found in the Earth’s orbit. This information helps prevent collisions and ensures the safety of crewed missions and space assets.

Supply and Resupply Missions: Satellites support logistical operations by serving as waypoints or communication relays for spacecraft delivering supplies, equipment, and payloads to crewed spacecraft or space stations.

Scientific Research: Astronauts conduct myriad scientific experiments and research while in space, and satellites can support their endeavours by transporting scientific instruments and payloads to conduct experiments in an environment where gravity is minimal. They also facilitate the observation of distant celestial objects, phenomena, and cosmic radiation, contributing to our understanding of the universe.

Illustration of a girl looking up into space at night.

Inspiration from the Geosynchronous Orbit

While we may not be sending people into space, the world’s GEO-stationary satellites all play their part in ensuring that space travel is as safe as it can be and that advances are made to propel human space flight ever onwards. Modern satellites are indispensable for supporting human space flight enabling astronauts to conduct missions effectively and safely.

Commercial satellites orbit the Earth and provide valuable data and services for numerous applications in areas such as telecommunications, weather forecasting, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management, among others.

We are very proud of the support our THOR satellite fleet provides to the maritime and land-based sectors, delivering critical links for data communications across EMEA, as well as seamless connectivity for broadcasting services throughout the Nordics and CEE.

As we recognise UN International Day of Human Space Flight, it continues to inspire us as satellite operators to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation in space technology and exploration. This day serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of human endeavours in space and reinforces the significance of satellite operations in advancing humanity’s presence and activities beyond the confines of our planet.

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The eclipse season and what it means for satellites.

Spring Eclipse Season

As we welcome the Spring Equinox and longer and brighter days in the northern hemisphere, explore how our satellite operators meticulously navigate the THOR fleet through the eclipse season to ensure that we keep our connectivity services unaffected.

The spring equinox is the time when those of us in the northern hemisphere start to look forward to the longer and brighter days of summer. In fact, like its autumn counterpart, the equinox (named from the latin words equus (equal) and nox (night) is the rare occasion when day and night are equal.

Here, Space Norway’s Richard James Buckley, Director Satellite Operations, explains how the equinox and its related eclipse season affects both satellites and the people operating them.

While everyone else is preparing for either summer or winter, for the engineers looking after our fleet it is the period during which all GEO stationary satellites will enter the shadow of the earth (an eclipse) for between one and 72 minutes per day for a duration of 44 days. The precise timing of this will depend on their exact location but, as our THOR fleet are all based at 1⁰ West, the satellites will all be in shadow at the same time. This is a challenge for the operators as the satellite cannot use its array of solar panels when the sun is unavailable.

Effects on the satellite

Entering an eclipse (or period of darkness) results in a rapid decrease in temperature onboard the satellite. Fortunately, this is mitigated by the thermal blankets within which the satellite’s essential equipment is wrapped to moderate extremes of temperature.

When the satellite is in the sun, reflectors are used to repel the heat while elsewhere heat pipes absorb heat ready to distribute warmth to areas of the satellite which are cold. Engineers make the decision whether to switch heaters on or off while the satellite is operating and so maintain active thermal control over the equipment and ensure the satellite remains at an optimum temperature at all times.

 

The intricated dance of light and shadow

The ideal time for the satellite is when the sun is directly behind it as there is an equal amount of illumination on all the solar panels which means that electrical power generated by the panels can be optimised. However, it therefore stands to reason that the worst time for the satellite is when it is in darkness such as it experiences during an eclipse and this lack of solar energy means that the satellite must be powered with batteries.

However, it’s not only the satellite itself that can be affected by spring equinox season. Signals between the satellite and the ground antennas can be disrupted due to the angle of the sun.  If the sun shines directly onto the ground antenna, it can be momentarily blinded by the light.

On the plus side however, inclination manoeuvres are slightly smaller during this season and, additionally, there may be a reduction in the roll and yaw torques (pivots the satellite makes on its axis) – both of which may ease the demands on fuel.

 

How does the eclipse season affect us as satellite operators?

There are a number of steps that satellite operators have to take during equinox season to ensure that the satellite continues to operate effectively and smoothly:

  • Our satellite operators are responsible for the thermal balance onboard the satellite and so have to adjust heating of the various working parts.
  • They ensure that there is sufficient electrical power to perform the manoeuvre
  • We monitor the ground antennas, so that they can be taken offline if they are subjected to sun blinding.
  • Operators monitor the health of the satellite, especially the battery, carefully.
  • We plan to avoid having manoeuvres or other major procedures/activities during the daily Eclipse.
  • After each eclipse we carefully charge the batteries again, ensuring they are fully charged before the satellite enters the earth’s shadow during the following day’s eclipse.
  • After the season is complete and the satellite is back in 24-hour sunlight, satellite operators put the batteries into storage ready for the next time they are needed. (This may mean cooling the battery and reducing the charge slightly so that wear and tear on the battery is reduced to a minimum).

So, as you look forward to brighter mornings and sunny evenings, spare a thought for our satellite operators. We might simply be entering spring , but they are entering their busiest time of the year.

In Oslo, Norway, the Spring Equinox will begin on March 20, 2024 at 04:06 CET.

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Bridging the gap: How connectivity accessibility can deliver digital empowerment.

Image for Magazine Artile: "How connectivity accessibility can deliver digital empowerment"

Telenor Satellite spoke with Satellite Evolution Global about the important role of connectivity in fostering growth and development in remote communities. From remote education, aid and medical care, to empowering individuals and supporting small and large enterprise, accessibility to connectivity is one of the key enablers of bridging the digital divide.

In this era of unprecedented technological advancements, the digital divide between those who have access to this bright new world and those for whom it is still lacking, is impeding overall global progress.

The digital divide can be seen between citizens within nations, largely due to economic differences, but it is far more marked between different nation states. In this case the issue is more multi-faceted, encompassing aspects such as accessibility and usability of connectivity, as well as economics – the three key challenges facing those communities that are behind the technology curve.

Connectivity accessibility can best be explained by how readily available technological infrastructure and resources are for those who wish to be digitally connected, whether through devices, internet or other essential tools.

Usability refers to the skills and knowledge required to use digital technologies effectively. Even where access is available, there can still be a lack of general digital literacy and experience which can hamper individuals and businesses in their attempts to maximise their use of these resources.

Economics relates to the financial resources needed to access and utilise digital technologies and encompasses such things as the cost of devices themselves, as well as internet subscriptions and other associated expenses.

Focus on accessibility

While these issues are all interrelated, accessibility is the area where Telenor Satellite is able to make a greater impact and is where we have the expertise to help bridge the divide and empower societies in remote locations.  Connectivity accessibility serves as the foundation for resolving digital inequality as, without adequate connectivity accessibility, the potential for growth and development will remain out of reach for many individuals and communities.

 

Image for the heading: "Focus on accessibility"

For those communities that lack accessibility, some of their greatest challenges revolve around the absence of online services, whether for education, healthcare services or economic opportunities. This in turn perpetuates the isolation of these communities and limits individual’s potential for interaction with the global community.

There are many countries around the world, for example within parts of Africa, South America and Asia, where they simply do not have the infrastructure needed for fixed communications. Although fibre may have reached the coastal regions of these countries, inland they still rely on satellite to enable the development of a network. By making use of mobile backhaul, the service operators are able to build a network connecting remote base stations via satellite connection. In effect, satellite here is the enabler for other technologies, particularly via mobile phone networks which provide internet access to users who don’t have the means to pay for broadband connections.

The introduction of 5G will also increase the requirement for high-speed broadband so a multitude of mobile base stations will be essential if these communities are to attempt to gain a level footing with the rest of the world.

Improving communications in remote regions

Thankfully, there are ways in which we can improve accessibility in remote regions, but it does require a concerted effort on the part of governments, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the global community, not to mention satellite services providers such as Telenor Satellite. In these situations we are working towards using the mobile networks to expand broadband infrastructure and internet connectivity, while local authorities are focused on reducing costs as far as possible and making sure that devices are affordable to the population.

The situation has improved enormously with the advances in mobile phone technology over the past years and it is now possible to buy or lease a smart phone at an affordable and easily accessible cost giving internet access over the mobile network to other data connections. This is starting to bring the internet to less affluent communities where citizens can’t afford to pay for dedicated broadband access. Telenor Group is very active in these communities, bringing satellite connectivity to hundreds of millions of consumers who would otherwise be cut off from the digital shift the world is experiencing.

Image for the heading: "Improving communications in remote regions"

There have been a number of developments in technology that support accessibility, satellites have a greater reach, mobile devices have been developed to increase the options available while other progress has brought enhancements such as screen readers and voice recognition software to benefit those individuals with disabilities who have previously been disenfranchised.

Community life

At an individual level, it is easy to understand how accessibility can improve lives, but it is at the community level where the greatest Impact can be seen. Access to online educational resources and remote learning platforms plays a vital role in breaking down the educational and skills gaps that can sometimes be found in remote regions increasing opportunities for the population.

Telenor Satellite has provided satellite links to remote universities giving students access to research papers, and also enabling them to make their own research available. What’s more, video conferencing with peers in other countries allows them to pool knowledge and resources and play an active role in the global academic community.

 

Young man browsing internet on pc

Another notable benefit is the increased access to expert medical care via telemedicine so that populations are able to receive medical consultations and advice without the need to travel great distances.

New LEO systems are also bringing easily accessible connectivity to these remote areas. However, it is still at a higher cost for the individual user than accessing internet via mobile networks – the cost is carried by the broadband subscriber rather than shared between all users of the mobile network. For this reason, it is likely that communities will continue to rely on mobile phone connectivity for some time to come.

Enterprise

Enterprise is an additional area where connectivity accessibility can have an enormous impact, particularly with the business world’s adoption of the virtual workplace which came about as a direct result of the COVID pandemic. Enterprises whose services can be easily transmitted via the internet can now operate from anywhere in the world provided there is reliable connectivity opening up the possibility of e-commerce to many otherwise isolated communities.

Image for the heading: "Enterprise"

Supporting remote enterprises and those that work for them is the financial sector and, in fact, Telenor Group operates a bank specifically developed for remote communities enabling them to manage their money better, pay electronically, receive their salary directly into their account and even opening up the opportunity to take out personal or business loans. With the use of the app, these communities are able to handle their banking online via their mobile phones even where broadband is unobtainable or too costly.

Enterprise and individuals can both also benefit from the digital literacy that can develop within society once the accessibility issue has been overcome. Just a few individuals with a desire to understand and navigate the digital landscape can become catalysts for knowledge throughout the community, making businesses more efficient and paving the way for remote working in an array of industry sectors.

Aid organisations

NGOs and Aid organisations are frequently called upon to provide relief in remote areas where there is no terrestrial network and so rely on satellite communications to support their efforts. However, there are times when a crisis arises in a relatively well-developed community such as the recent Turkish/Syrian earthquake, in these cases there is a need to switch on satellite connectivity at short notice.

Image for the heading: "Aid organisations"

Fortunately, the agencies providing these aid services are well geared up to arrive on the ground with a communications kit ready to go. They can set up a remote base station at a moment’s notice, often travelling with a complete communications system onboard including a generator which is ready to link up with the satellite.

Why sorting accessibility is the key

Access to digital platforms, such as Facebook to Instagram, and WhatsApp, enables members of the community to participate more fully in the global economy, and with that comes the potential for commercial growth and the subsequent influx of money into the area. It isn’t only the higher-tech enterprises which reap the rewards, increased wealth in a region also benefits even the more traditional rural businesses.

And the benefits continue as the increase in economic growth facilitates the investment in additional digital infrastructure which opens the door to new technologies providing even more opportunities for the population.

Finally, as more technology is acquired, individuals are personally empowered with the opportunity to hone their skills, not only digital competencies but also their practical skills through the use of self-education clips on platforms such as YouTube and academic qualifications through online college and university courses. By taking advantage of these opportunities, citizens enhance their employability, allowing them to make a greater financial contribution to society.

Conclusion

In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of addressing the digital divide cannot be overstated. Among the three pillars of the divide – connectivity accessibility, usability and economics – accessibility is the cornerstone for progress. By ensuring that all individuals and communities, no matter their location, have equal opportunities to access and benefit from digital technologies, we can create a more inclusive and empowered global society.

Read the original article published in the November 2023 edition of Satellite Evolution Global.

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Seafarers' invisible support.

supporting seafarers with maritime connectivity

International Day for Women in Maritime is celebrated every year on 18th of May. And we’d like to commend all the women working in the global maritime sector, supporting operations, both on shore and at sea. We look at the aspect of ship connectivity, the invisible link that keeps the ship and crew operational and safe, and our colleagues that make it happen.

On this IMO International Day for Women in Maritime, Telenor Satellite would like to recognise our colleagues who work so far in the background that seafarers are unaware of the vital role they play in their lives.

The women keeping satellite communications on course

One of the most significant benefits of recent years for seafarers, whether male or female, has been the increased availability of connectivity. Vessels including electric ferries, automated, and smart, ships are all entirely reliant on satellite communications in order to function. Similarly, cutting edge initiatives such as the Greensand Project which is capturing carbon and returning it to the seabed are dependent on “always-on” connectivity.

But it’s not only in terms of the operational and increasingly digitised aspects of maritime that seafarers have benefitted from greater satellite communications. Crew now have the opportunity to speak regularly to family and friends onshore, and enjoy video streaming and internet browsing, just as they would at home.

 

Keeping that connectivity on stream

While the company’s satellites are termed as being geostationary, stationary is not strictly the correct way to describe them. In fact, albeit slowly, they are continually moving in relation to the earth and that is where our Flight Dynamics Manager, Hanne J K Skonnord comes in. She is responsible for planning station keeping manoeuvres for the satellites to keep their position in the geostationary arc to remain in constant touch with the antennas on the vessels.

Equally crucial is Lead Spacecraft Engineer Kristina Lärfars, she is one of a team of engineers who deal with any problems that arise with the operation of the satellite, taking the necessary action so that our clients never experience a dropped signal. One key aspect of this is ensuring that the satellite continues to transmit even during solar or lunar eclipses when it relies on battery power rather than its solar arrays.

A lifeline from space to sea

So, wherever seafarers may be, whether that is fishing in the extreme conditions of the polar regions, supplying offshore oil and gas fields with necessary equipment and personnel, keeping cruise guests safe and entertained, operating renewable energy sources at sea, don’t forget the dedicated women working behind the scenes to make sure you remain connected to what matters most.

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Insights

Euro-Fibre – a revamped fibre network bringing TV to Europe’s homes.

Fibre connectivity: Euro-Fibre terrestrial network

More than 18 million homes throughout the Nordics and Central and Eastern Europe rely on Telenor Satellite to deliver their broadcast media – whether it originates from Disney, Allente, National Geographic, BBC or any of the other of the regional and international broadcasters who use our services.

Not simply satellites

While, as expected, the transmissions arrive in homes via Telenor Satellite’s THOR fleet of satellites, perhaps what is less well-understood is that we operate an extension to our satellite services through our terrestrial fibre network which takes these broadcasts from their original location and transports them to our teleport in Nittedal.

 

New name for our terrestrial fibre network

Following a recent refurbishment of our fibre network infrastructure based on industry leading media delivery equipment from Net Insight, we decided to rename our service so that it truly reflects what it’s all about. Now known as Euro-Fibre, it’s a facilitator and enabler, transmitting live broadcast content between key locations in Europe and our teleport. Euro-Fibre is unusual in that it is dedicated to broadcast customers, offering broadcasters and play-outs a seamless high-end fibre network with capable bit rates, diverse and separate routing, and built-in fibre redundancy.

 

Points of Presence in key locations

Telenor Satellite ensures clients have easy access to its fibre network through its many Points of Presence (PoPs) – they can be found in more than twenty locations throughout Europe including major hubs such as London, Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Frankfurt and Amsterdam.

But in addition to the fixed PoPs, we are able to offer clients tailor-made services, including tail circuits which extend access direct to clients’ sites with commissioning taking place on short notice if a quick turnaround is needed.

 

Highest quality media provider

Ole Ledang, Telenor Satellite’s Director, Broadcasting, said: “The broadcast media demands the highest quality from its service providers and won’t accept any glitches or latency and that is exactly what we provide with Euro-Fibre. By renewing all our systems to the highest specifications available, we are ensuring that our customers benefit from a service which has been future-proofed to exceed the quality of service they require.”

 

Euro-Fibre – the name says it all!

Many thanks must go to the amazing Telenor Satellite team who all played a part in the name selection. When asked to participate in a competition to come up with the new name for our terrestrial fibre network, they didn’t disappoint!

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Insights

Maritime in Scandinavia demonstrates growth on many fronts.

maritime in scandinavia - feature image for the article

Ship Management International spotlights Scandinavian maritime sector, featuring Telenor Satellite’s views on the continuous growth in the region along with the demand for better connectivity.

The changing shape of today’s vessels, with increased digitalisation and IoT, has made the requirement for extensive and high-powered communications a must-have rather than a nice-to-have for all maritime sectors in Scandinavia.

 

Offshore energy

The Norwegian offshore oil and gas sector is currently experiencing a new lease of life as the Ukrainian conflict leaves many countries facing energy shortages. When coupled with the rising number of offshore wind projects, we are looking at a flourishing industry with a growing need for connectivity.

These offshore energy sites are becoming more complex and much bigger with a need to comply with increasingly strict regulatory controls requiring intelligent and uncompromised communications to support the high levels of digitalisation now in use. Tracking, reporting and real time monitoring by staff, both onboard and onshore, place far greater demands on high-speed connectivity than previously but also ensure that the vessel suffers far less down time. The Internet of Things has enabled the transfer of information between sea and shore, allowing for remote upgrades to equipment and crew to be alerted of potentially hazardous conditions, meanwhile operational data can be collected offshore for analysis onshore.

 

Offshore support vessels

When considering the hard-to-reach nature of these sites and the harsh environments that they are operating in, it’s easy to appreciate that critical systems are not limited to the offshore facilities themselves but also to the myriad support vessels working with them, whether Offshore Supply Vessels, Crew Transfer Vessels or Floatels. They each place high demands on communications systems to ensure the smooth running of key operations such as navigation and weather forecasts.

 

Fishing

Another dynamic sector for Norway in particular is fishing. Vessels are in operation 24/7, often remaining at sea for a month or more, with crews working up to 12 hours a day. For those working in the Barents Sea or even further north, conditions are icy, dark, cold and windy. This is an area where it is extremely difficult for satellite companies to operate, in fact Telenor Satellite is one of the very few whose satellites are ideally situated to provide reliable and constant VSAT connectivity up to 79 degrees north. Again, there are strict regulations and mandatory reporting requirements which need to be transmitted back to shore but equally important is the safety and wellbeing of crew who need access to emergency assistance as well as links to home.

 

Expedition cruise

One of the fastest growing cruise sectors, expedition cruising is taking off in Scandinavia with well-travelled guests looking for more adventure. These are sophisticated passengers who take for granted that there will be good connectivity onboard. The complexity of these ships and the sheer quantity of people add to the requirement for communications links that can process large amounts of data both operationally and for the benefit of guests. Combine that with the more challenging environments of the Arctic and it’s easy to understand why high-quality connectivity is vital for this sector too.

maritime in scandinavia, image depicting ferries in Norway

This article was originally published by Ship Management International in issue no 102 March / April 2023.