Two satellites launched from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California last week are being hailed as “historic” for Norway’s own space program. They’ll be able to provide full broadband coverage in the Arctic and much better weather reports, and will be operated from Tromsø.
The Arctic Weather Satellites (AWS) will be run by a specialized crew from Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) in the Tromsø control room. “This is a milestone for Norway,” said the government’s trade minister Cecilie Myrseth of the Labour Party. “This launch represents our biggest space project so far, and will be of great use for all the work done in the Arctic.”
Space Norway, owned by the ministry, is responsible for the satellites that can also provide important communication capacity for the defense ministry. That in turn can greatly improve communication and cooperation with Norway’s NATO allies in the north.
“Norway will gain control over strategically important communications services in an area that until now has been without broadband,” said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram of the Center Party. “That can strengthen national security and national control.”
Gram thinks Norway will now take on a more central role in the use of space, also because of its geographic position on earth. Kjell-Ove Skare, program director for the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission, told NTB that all aspects of the launching, broadcast live on the website for Space Norway, went well. He called it “a great day” for Norway’s own space program.
It’s the first time KSAT, known for delivering ground station services for customers around the world, will run a ground station itself. “It’s a natural step for us, taking control over the entire ground segment,” Rolf Skattebo, chief executive of KSAT, told newspaper Aftenposten.
The satellites will also enchance communication in the civilian sector, for research and fishing boats, aircraft, cruiseships, the Coast Guard, polar expeditions and others operating in the Arctic. Defense Minister Gram noted that Norway’s “unique geographic position” also gives it a competitive advantage in cooperation with the US, EU and other allies.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
