Space

Space is a key focus area for the Norwegian Armed Forces. Satellites provide unique access to areas where other types of information are difficult to obtain. The geopolitical importance of the High North and Norway’s geographic particularities highlight the need for a Norwegian space programme.

Space activities in Norway primarily focus on three areas:

• Monitoring our vast areas of responsibility using satellites
• Surveillance of space itself
• Satellite communications in the High North

These are extensive and costly tasks that require collaboration across industries and sectors, both public and private, civilian and military.

The Norwegian Intelligence Service is responsible for military space activities on behalf of the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Chief of Defence.

Norway’s unique geographical characteristics create a significant need for satellite communication. However, we face some unique challenges due to the fact that commercial services are not tailored to our latitudes and are therefore poorly developed.

As a result, Norway is working through civilian-military collaboration to supplement available capacity from international partners and commercial providers with niche capabilities developed domestically.