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MicroSAR

The guardian of the Norwegian waters

MicroSAR will provide extensive coverage and monitoring of Norway's vast maritime territories, uniquely detecting small targets - a capability unmatched by existing satellite systems.

Norway’s oceanic expanse is seven times larger than its land area, necessitating an efficient observation and monitoring system to ensure maritime security and environmental oversight. This vast maritime territory requires a sophisticated approach to effectively monitor activities and detect potential threats.

The MicroSAR project is specifically designed to address this critical need. Once operational, it will offer extensive coverage of these vast areas, providing a unique capability to detect small targets that is not found in existing satellite systems.

This advanced technology will enable precise monitoring and surveillance, ensuring that even the smallest objects in Norwegian waters can be detected and tracked, thereby enhancing both security and environmental protection.

Ice bear in the arctic
Revolutionising maritime surveillance through advanced capabilities.

High-resolution vessel detection

Space Norway has begun planning a constellation of MicroSAR satellites to ensure continuous monitoring of Norwegian maritime regions. The Arctic remains Norway’s key strategic area, and the region will benefit significantly from MicroSAR’s advanced capabilities. Once operational, the system will play a crucial role in maritime surveillance, including ship traffic monitoring, combating illegal fishing, and supporting rescue operations in Norwegian waters.

One of the key advantages of MicroSAR radar surveillance is its ability to detect objects in darkness and cloudy conditions. Under Space Norway’s ownership, MicroSAR will remain under national control.

While primarily intended to meet Norwegian societal and governmental requirements, MicroSAR will also provide maritime surveillance services to the global commercial maritime sector.

 

AIS-independent radar vessel tracking 

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) has long been essential for tracking shipping in Norwegian and international waters. However, not all vessels transmit accurate AIS data. Satellites equipped with radar, such as MicroSAR, can detect vessels irrespective of their AIS usage. Additionally, MicroSAR features an onboard AIS receiver to verify transmitted AIS information.

 

Advancing MicroSAR with collaborative excellence

Significant progress has been made in the MicroSAR program and the construction of the satellite following the signing of supplier and partner contracts in 2022. Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) is responsible for building the satellite and integrating payloads provided by Norwegian suppliers: WideNorth, EIDEL, the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), Kongsberg Discovery and Kongsberg Seatex.

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) will operate the MicroSAR T&D satellite on behalf of Space Norway.

Construction of the satellite commenced in 2022, with the launch of the satellite scheduled for 2026 by SpaceX.

Space Norway MicroSAR satellite illustration