Kongsberg Launches First-Owned Satellite for Maritime Surveillance

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace launched its first owned and operated satellite, Arvaker 1 N3X, on March 17, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, aboard SpaceX’s Transporter 13 mission.

Kongsberg is expanding its role in satellite operations by integrating its own micro satellites, ground stations, and data processing capabilities to provide maritime surveillance and security services. The company’s satellites aim to enhance data delivery while reducing latency, supporting both Norwegian and international customers.

In 2024, the Norwegian Armed Forces awarded Kongsberg a five-year contract to deliver maritime surveillance data, covering Norway’s Areas of Interest. As part of this contract, Kongsberg will launch three satellites to provide real-time monitoring for the Norwegian Armed Forces, Coastal Administration, Directorate of Fisheries, and Norwegian Customs.

The MP42H satellites, built by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, feature Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers and detection systems developed by Kongsberg Discovery, as well as a navigation radar detector from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). Kongsberg NanoAvionics has produced and launched 40 satellites so far.

The satellites are operated by Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), utilizing its global network of ground stations to ensure continuous data transmission with high frequency and low latency for both national and international users.