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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 (which produced fantastic Northern lights!). 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.

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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 densities 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, ionosphere, 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, ionosphere, 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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Insights

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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News

Space Norway's Arctic Broadband Satellite Mission nominated for SpaceNews' ICON Award.

SpaceX's Falcon9 rocket with the two ASBM satellites on board.
SpaceX's Falcon9 rocket with the two ASBM satellites on board.

According to SpaceNews, the Icon Awards celebrate the year’s most iconic achievements shaping the direction of the space industry. A selection of individuals, organisations and missions that exemplify excellence in advancing space exploration, sustainability and innovation are shortlisted for the prestigious award. This year, Space Norway’s Arctic Broadband Satellite Mission is of one of the shortlisted.

Advancing space exploration

A selection of individuals, organisations and missions that exemplify excellence in advancing space exploration, sustainability and innovation are shortlisted for the prestigious award, including Space Norway’s Arctic Broadband Satellite Mission.

“Space Norway is proud to have been nominated in the category “International Collaboration” together with Artemis Accords and Intelsat”, says programme director Kjell-Ove Skare.

 

Proud of the programme

Skare emphasises that all in Space Norway are extremely proud of this programme. “It is truly an honour to be shortlisted for this award. This is a ground- breaking effort in an allied, governmental and commercial collaboration”.

The ASBM programme 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. It would not have been possible without the excellent cooperation we have had with our partners at Viasat, the US Space Force and Northrop Grumman. I believe this mission sets a standard for future international collaboration in space, and Space Norway is eager to expand on the work we have started with ASBM,” comments Skare.

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Customer success story

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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Press release

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

Telenor Satellite changes its name to Space Norway.

Telenor Satellite changes name to Space Norway.

Telenor Satellite changes its name to Space Norway, following company’s acquisition in January 2024. As a result of this transition, Space Norway is now the leading satellite services provider in Northern Europe and a major player in the European space sector.

Space Norway emerges as a leading actor in the Northern European space sector.

Following its acquisition by Space Norway in January 2024, Telenor Satellite will now be recognised by its new name, Space Norway.

As a result of this transaction, Space Norway is now Northern Europe’s leading satellite services provider and a key player in the European space sector.

Space Norway provides critical satellite services to governments, commercial maritime, land-based industries, and major broadcasters. With a portfolio of satellites, subsea cables and teleport infrastructure, the company serves clients throughout Europe, the Arctic, the Middle East and Africa.

Utilising the full depth of expertise that resides in the company, Space Norway is better equipped than ever to invest in a wider range of research and development projects, while extending its commercial potential.

Morten Tengs, acting CEO of Space Norway said: “Space Norway is now a powerhouse in the European satellite services arena, running some of the most innovative projects in the industry. Our leadership team has the experience and strategic focus to realise the company’s full potential in the coming decades, ensuring its continued technological development and financial growth.”

Press inquiries

Randi Ellingsen

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

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News

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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News

MEV-2 mission extension services on THOR 10-02 are to continue for several more years.

THOR 10-02 From MEV-2. Image Northrop Grumman
MEV-2 in direct alignment, looking straight at THOR 10-02 / IS 10-02. Image: Northrop Grumman.

In 2021, in partnership with Intelsat, Space Norway was the first commercial satellite operator to perform on-orbit servicing of an active satellite in geosynchronous orbit. 

The Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-2) delivered by Northrop Grumman has been providing a successful service to the jointly run THOR 10-02/ Intelsat 10-02 satellite.

The contract was expected to run for up to five years but, due to the consistent and high-quality service provided by MEV-2, Space Norway and Intelsat have agreed to extend the service by several more years.

THOR 10-02 / Intelsat 10-02 itself was launched in 2004 and is still in excellent health with 100% redundancy still available in the Space Norway payload. It carries thousands of valuable communication links, making crucial connectivity possible in remote locations on land and at sea.

The docking procedure in 2021 was the first ever undertaken on an active satellite and was achieved in a completely seamless fashion with no downtime occurring, ensuring continuity of service for Space Norway’s customers. By extending this service we are able to ensure transmissions will continue smoothly over the coming years.

Morten Tengs, CEO of Space Norway, said: “The MEV-2 mission has proved a great success, benefitting our customers across Europe and the Middle East. By continuing to employ this history-making technology we can extend the longevity of this high-quality satellite and ensure hassle-free continued operation for our customers.”

Press inquiries

Randi Ellingsen

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

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News

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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News

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.