Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) Awarded Norwegian Space Agency Contract to Build 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.

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.