Space Norway and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) have announced a collaboration to develop a radar satellite aimed at enhancing maritime domain awareness. This initiative, revealed on September 19, could pave the way for a series of similar spacecraft focused on monitoring the North Atlantic region.
The satellite, equipped with a C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), is designed to collect extensive data across vast ocean areas. Weighing 400 kilograms, it is set to launch in early 2027 as part of a SpaceX rideshare mission. Its primary mission will be to provide surveillance of the North Atlantic, an area rich in energy infrastructure, fisheries, and underwater cables that currently lack adequate monitoring.
According to Alex da Silva Curiel, head of international business at SSTL, “The North Atlantic has a lot of energy infrastructure, fisheries, and underwater cables that are basically not monitored today, or not very well. This system is going to provide that level of security and monitor the entire North Atlantic on a regular daily basis.” This statement underscores the urgent need for enhanced oversight in this critical maritime zone.
Innovative Satellite Capabilities
SSTL is responsible for constructing the satellite, while Space Norway will supply the payload and manage operations. The collaboration emphasizes the satellite’s unique ability to gather high-resolution SAR data over a wide area, tracking maritime vessels and correlating this information with data from an Automatic Identification System (AIS) sensor onboard.
Once operational, the satellite is expected to deliver unprecedented surveillance capabilities, monitoring large areas with real-time high resolution. Marte Kalveland, director of Earth observation and innovation at Space Norway, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We look forward to offering this to the global market.”
The initial user for the satellite will be the Norwegian armed forces, but there will be capacity for additional clients seeking to monitor different regions globally. This flexibility is part of a broader strategy to create a constellation of six satellites, which would provide regular monitoring of the North Atlantic every few hours.
Future Expansion and Market Potential
The partnership between Space Norway and SSTL signals a significant step forward in satellite technology aimed at maritime security. The possibility of expanding the satellite network to accommodate more customers reflects a growing demand for advanced surveillance solutions in various sectors, including defense and commercial shipping.
The collaboration marks a pivotal moment for both companies, as they aim to deliver cutting-edge satellite capabilities to address the challenges of maritime monitoring. By enhancing the ability to track and manage maritime activities, this initiative could contribute to improved safety and security in one of the world’s most vital oceanic regions.
