Kongsberg has launched its first owned microsatellite, ARVAKER 1 N3X, from Vandenberg Space Force Base via SpaceX's Transporter 13 mission. This marks Kongsberg's entry as an independent satellite operator, expanding its role from technology provider to satellite owner. The company now offers integrated satellite services, including manufacturing, ground station deployment, and data processing.
Under a five-year contract with the Norwegian government, Kongsberg will launch three satellites to provide maritime surveillance data to various agencies, including the Armed Forces and the Coastal Administration. The MP42H-class satellites, built by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, feature AIS receivers, detection instruments, and navigation radar detectors. Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) manages satellite operations using its global ground station network, delivering low-latency surveillance data to clients.