NOSA to Build NorSat-4 Maritime Tracking Microsatellite for SFL

The Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA) has awarded a contract to Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) to build the NorSat-4 maritime tracking microsatellite. NorSat-4 will be the eighth satellite developed by SFL for Norway, including NorSat-3 launched in April 2021 and the NorSat Technology Demonstrator (NorSat-TD) now under construction.

Similar to NorSat-1, -2 and -3, NorSat-4 will be built on SFL’s DEFIANT microsatellite platform (a variant of the NEMO platform that uses a separation system and not a dispenser) and carry an Automatic Identification System (AIS) ship tracking receiver developed by Kongsberg Seatex. An important new addition on NorSat-4 will be a low-light imaging camera.

“SFL is pleased to play an integral role in the NorSat program as NOSA continues to innovate as the world leader in space-based maritime traffic monitoring,” said SFL Director Dr. Robert E. Zee.

To develop the miniature low-light imaging camera, the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) has contracted Safran Reosc of France. This powerful device will detect vessels larger than 30 meters in length in Arctic waters, which are shrouded by darkness much of the year.

“NOSA is eager to add the capabilities of NorSat-4 to the current fleet of maritime surveillance satellites and to support the demonstration of FFI’s newest technologies and techniques for creating a better understanding of maritime traffic for Norwegian users,” said Microsatellite Program Manager at NOSA, Lene Marthinsen.

SFL has a long history of developing ship-tracking microspace missions for Norway starting with the AISSat-1 nanosatellite launched in 2010. It determined that reception of AIS signals in orbit was indeed feasible. AISSat-1 proved so robust that Norway soon commissioned it as an operational ship-tracking mission. Subsequently, additional AISSats were launched, followed by a new line of higher capacity microsatellites – the NorSats – all developed by SFL with customer-furnished payloads.

SFL is a unique microspace provider that offers a complete suite of nano-, micro- and small satellites – including high-performance, low-cost CubeSats – that satisfy the needs of a broad range of mission types from 3 to 500 kilograms. Dating from 1998, SFL’s heritage of on-orbit successes includes 72 satellites and distinct missions related to Earth observation, atmospheric monitoring, ship tracking, communication, radio frequency (RF) geolocation, technology demonstration, space astronomy, solar physics, space plasma, and other scientific research.

In its 23-year history, SFL has developed CubeSats, nanosatellites, and microsatellites that have achieved more than 150 cumulative years of operation in orbit. These microspace missions have included SFL’s trusted attitude control and, in some cases, formation-flying capabilities. Other core SFL-developed components include modular (scalable) power systems, onboard radios, flight computers, and control software.