Norway’s Aissat-1 Satellite Starts Mission
With a payload developed by Kongsberg Seatex AS that receives and forwards AIS messages from ships., the experimental satellite AISSat-1 was launched successfully from India on 12 July 2010, and has already begun transmitting AIS messages from space to earth via Kongsberg Satellite Services’ ground station at Svalbard. The technology will improve safety at sea for vessels in Norwegian waters.
AISSat-1 is equipped with technology developed and built in cooperation between the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, Kongsberg Seatex, the Norwegian Coastal Administration and the Norwegian Space Centre. It is financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry. Kongsberg Satellite Services’ ground station at Svalbard is used for communication. The satellite is placed in a polar orbit with an altitude of approximately 635 kilometres. The satellite is of nano type, and measures 20 x 20 x 20 cm. It weighs six kilograms and is shaped like a cube.
“The satellite is an example on how the long term focus on Norwegian expertise creates good, innovative high technology solutions, tailor made for Norwegian conditions”, said Trond Giske, Minister of Trade and Industry. “Norway and Kongsberg have been at the forefront with leading technology and solutions within this area of expertise. We are therefore very pleased to have the opportunity to provide the AIS payload for AISSat-1. The AISSat programme fits very well with our mission to provide the best solutions to our customers for safe navigation, positioning and operation in demanding offshore and maritime applications. The High North is such a demanding application area”, says Gard Ueland, President of Kongsberg Seatex AS.