Microsatellites for Maritime Surveillance, an update on the Norwegian Smallsat Program

Paper number

IAC-18,B4,4,2,x45204

Author

Mr. Jon Harr, Norway, Norwegian Space Centre

Coauthor

Mr. Tyler Jones, Norway, Norwegian Space Centre

Coauthor

Mr. Knut Svenes, Norway, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment

Coauthor

Mr. Andreas Nordmo Skauen, Norway, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment

Coauthor

Mr. Tore Smestad, Norway, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment

Coauthor

Mr. Ivar Spydevold, Norway, Statsat AS

Coauthor

Mr. Eirik Voje Blindheim, Norway, Statsat AS

Coauthor

Mr. Alexander Beattie, Canada, Space Flight Laboratory, University of Toronto

Coauthor

Ms. Laura Bradbury, Canada, UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory

Coauthor

Mr. Brad Cotten, Canada, University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies

Coauthor

Dr. Robert E. Zee, Canada, University of Toronto

Coauthor

Mr. Frode Storesund, Norway, Kongsberg Seatex AS

Coauthor

Mr. Torkild Eriksen, Norway, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment

Coauthor

Mr. Bo N. Andersen, Norway, Norwegian Space Centre

Coauthor

Mr. Daniel Kekez, Canada, UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory

Year

2018

Abstract

The first Norwegian microsatellite AISSat-1 was launched in 2010. It weighed less than 6 kg and carried the first-generation space AIS receiver developed by Kongsberg Seatex. The satellite was developed as a cooperation between the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), the Norwegian Space Centre (NSC) and the Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA). 

Highly successful both from a technology demonstration and mission point of view, AISSat-1 was followed by AISSat-2 in 2014, forming Norway's first operational satellite constellation. Both satellites were built by the Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS). In spite of 3-year nominal lifetime, both satellites still operate and deliver AIS data to Norwegian governmental users at every orbit over the Vardø and Svalbard ground stations. 

In order to assure continuity of AIS data delivery, Norway launched 2 new AIS satellites in July 2017, thereby doubling the constellation which now is composed of 4 satellites. NorSat-1 and -2 are also built by SFL, and are bigger than their predecessors with a mass of 16 kg each. Both are equipped with the latest 4th generation AIS receiver from Kongsberg Seatex, in addition to auxiliary technological and scientific payloads. 

During their first year of operations, AIS performance of NorSat-1 and 2 has largely exceeded expectations, with an increase of 60% of the number of ships detected per day. In addition, the new AIS receivers on NorSat-1 and -2 are capable of receiving long-range messages (type 27), which enables a much better detection probability in high traffic areas. 

The next satellite in the NorSat series, NorSat-3, is currently under development. It will, in addition to the standard AIS receiver, carry an experimental Navigational Radar Detector (NRD). By acquiring signals from the ships' compulsory navigation radar, the NRD will provide an even more complete picture of the traffic in the Norwegian waters. The NRD receiver and processing unit on NorSat-3 will be built by Kongsberg Seatex, based on prototypes from FFI. FFI develops the NRD antenna and the software for processing signals from the antenna to the user systems.

The article will focus on giving a general overview of the Norwegian smallsat program, lessons learned and in-orbit performance of the newcomers NorSat-1 and -2, and status on the development of NorSat-3.

Abstract document

IAC-18,B4,4,2,x45204.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-18,B4,4,2,x45204.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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