Space Norway and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) have joined forces to develop a cutting-edge radar satellite designed for comprehensive maritime domain awareness. This collaborative effort marks the beginning of what could become a larger constellation of similar spacecraft.
The partnership, announced on Sept. 19, centers around a satellite equipped with a C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system. This technology is specifically optimized for efficient data collection over vast oceanic areas. The 400-kilogram satellite is slated for launch in early 2027, utilizing a SpaceX rideshare mission. Its primary focus will be on continuous monitoring of the North Atlantic region.
“The North Atlantic has a lot of energy infrastructure, fisheries and underwater cables that are basically not monitored today, or not very well,” stated Alex da Silva Curiel, head of international business at SSTL, during an interview at World Space Business Week. “This system is going to provide that level of security and monitor the entire North Atlantic on a regular daily basis.”
SSTL is responsible for the satellite's construction, while Space Norway is providing the payload and will oversee its operation. A distinguishing feature of this spacecraft is its ability to acquire high-resolution SAR data across a wide swath, enabling the tracking of vessels. This capability is further enhanced by an integrated Automatic Identification System (AIS) sensor.
“Once operational, the satellites will offer a unique capacity for surveillance of large areas with a real-time high resolution, and we look forward to offering this to the global market,” noted Marte Kalveland, director of Earth observation and innovation at Space Norway. The Norwegian armed forces will be the initial clients, but additional capacity will be available to other entities interested in monitoring various global regions.
This initiative represents the first in a planned constellation of six satellites, ultimately enabling the monitoring of the North Atlantic every few hours. The companies have indicated their willingness to expand the constellation to meet future customer demands.