Norwegian Space Agency partners with Isar Aerospace for satellite launch from Andoya Spaceport

Written by Copernical Team Friday, 14 March 2025 11:03

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Berlin, Germany (SPX) Mar 14, 2025

The Norwegian Space Agency has entered into a contract with European launch service provider Isar Aerospace to deploy its Arctic Ocean Surveillance (AOS) program satellites. Under the agreement, Isar Aerospace's 'Spectrum' launch vehicle will transport two satellites into sun synchronous orbit (SSO) from Andoya Spaceport, Norway's premier orbital launch site. The launch, scheduled to take

Norwegian Space Agency partners with Isar Aerospace for satellite launch from Andoya Spaceport
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Mar 14, 2025

The Norwegian Space Agency has entered into a contract with European launch service provider Isar Aerospace to deploy its Arctic Ocean Surveillance (AOS) program satellites. Under the agreement, Isar Aerospace's 'Spectrum' launch vehicle will transport two satellites into sun synchronous orbit (SSO) from Andoya Spaceport, Norway's premier orbital launch site.

The launch, scheduled to take place by 2028, is a significant step in Norway's efforts to bolster maritime surveillance capabilities. The AOS program, a national initiative, aims to enhance monitoring of the Arctic Ocean through satellite-based systems.

"Launching the AOS satellites from Andoya Spaceport marks a key milestone in Norway's space ambitions. We anticipate a strong collaboration with Isar Aerospace and look forward to seeing 'Spectrum' in action," stated Christian Hauglie-Hanssen, Director General of the Norwegian Space Agency.

Daniel Metzler, CEO and co-founder of Isar Aerospace, emphasized the company's dedication to ensuring reliable European access to space. "We are committed to enabling independent space access from Andoya Spaceport, reinforcing national and European security with cost-effective and dependable launch services," he said.

Isar Aerospace is in the final stages of preparation for its inaugural test flight from Norway. Following successful static fire tests of both stages of the 'Spectrum' launch vehicle, the company is awaiting licensing approval from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to proceed with the mission. This first test flight will validate the integration of thousands of components and generate data crucial for refining future missions.

Metzler commented on the upcoming milestone, stating, "Our team is ready, and we are on the verge of launching our test flight."

Andoya Spaceport, the first operational spaceport on mainland Europe, was developed to support commercial satellite launches. Construction began in 2021, and the facility officially opened in 2023.

Christian Hauglie-Hanssen highlighted the importance of the new launch site: "There is a growing demand for launch capabilities, and Andoya Spaceport, in partnership with Isar Aerospace, will provide crucial capacity for the satellite sector."

Ingun Berget, President of Andoya Spaceport, underscored the site's strategic value, stating, "Being selected for the AOS satellite launches underscores Norway's growing role in space operations. Our partnership with Isar Aerospace positions Andoya Spaceport as a leading provider of safe and efficient launch services in Europe."

The two satellites slated for launch aboard 'Spectrum' are AOS-Demo, developed by EIDEL to test maritime monitoring technology, and AOS-Precursor, the program's first operational satellite, designed by Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace.

"For the first time, Norwegian industry is delivering government-contracted satellites developed and built within the country, launching them from a national spaceport. Our collaboration with Isar Aerospace enhances Norway's technological expertise and solidifies Andoya Spaceport as a strategic launch hub for Europe," concluded Hauglie-Hanssen.