Space Norway and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) have initiated a collaboration to develop a radar satellite aimed at enhancing maritime domain awareness. Announced on September 19, 2023, this partnership marks the beginning of a project that may eventually lead to a constellation of similar satellites. The primary objective is to monitor the North Atlantic region effectively.
Details of the Radar Satellite Program
The satellite will utilize a C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), specifically designed to collect data across extensive oceanic areas. With a mass of 400 kilograms, the satellite is expected to launch in early 2027 as part of a SpaceX rideshare mission. The focus on the North Atlantic is particularly significant due to the region’s vital energy infrastructure, fisheries, and underwater cables, many of which currently lack adequate monitoring.
In a recent interview during World Space Business Week, Alex da Silva Curiel, head of international business at SSTL, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “The North Atlantic has a lot of energy infrastructure, fisheries, and underwater cables that are basically not monitored today, or not very well,” he stated. “This system is going to provide that level of security and monitor the entire North Atlantic on a regular daily basis.”
Under this partnership, SSTL is responsible for constructing the satellite, while Space Norway will provide the payload and oversee its operations. The satellite’s design allows for the collection of high-resolution SAR data over broad areas, enabling effective tracking of maritime activity. In addition to the SAR capabilities, the satellite will also incorporate an Automatic Identification System (AIS) sensor to enhance its monitoring capabilities.
Future Prospects and Customer Base
Marte Kalveland, director of Earth observation and innovation at Space Norway, highlighted the satellite’s potential market impact. “Once operational, the satellites will offer a unique capacity for surveillance of large areas with real-time high resolution, and we look forward to offering this to the global market,” she remarked. The initial customer for the satellite will be the Norwegian armed forces, though the satellite will have additional capacity available for other clients interested in monitoring various global regions.
This radar satellite is the first in a proposed constellation of six satellites, designed to provide monitoring coverage of the North Atlantic every few hours. Both companies have indicated the possibility of adding further satellites to accommodate the needs of additional customers in the future.
The collaboration between Space Norway and SSTL represents a significant step forward in maritime surveillance technology, with the potential to enhance safety and security in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
