Built on SFL's proven 35-kg DEFIANT microsatellite platform, NorSat-4 was launched on January 14 aboard SpaceX's Transporter-12 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Ground control has established communication with the satellite. This mission coincided with the launch of the Gray Jay Arctic surveillance demonstration mission, a three-microsatellite project developed by SFL for Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC).
"NorSat-4 maintains Norway's leadership in space-based maritime situational awareness with a cost-effective small satellite program," said SFL Director Dr. Robert E. Zee. "The addition of the low-light imaging camera on this mission continues the NOSA tradition of testing cutting-edge onboard technology."
The satellite's low-light optical camera expands the Norwegian Coastal Administration's ability to detect and track vessels in Arctic territorial waters, supplementing its AIS receiver. This capability is particularly critical as some vessels deactivate AIS transmitters or spoof their signals for illicit purposes. Developed by Safran Reosc of France under contract with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, the camera can detect vessels longer than 30 meters even in Arctic darkness.
This payload presented technical challenges due to its need for active thermal control to maintain image quality and precise attitude control for accurate image geolocation. SFL addressed these challenges by designing a compact mechanical iris shutter for the camera aperture, protecting it from direct sunlight exposure in orbit.
SFL's collaboration with Norway on space-based maritime monitoring began with the 7-kg AISSat-1 nanosatellite in 2010, demonstrating the feasibility of detecting AIS signals from space. Its successor, AISSat-2, launched in 2014, exceeded its operational expectations by functioning for nine years. Norway's satellite program expanded with the launch of larger satellites, including NorSat-1 and -2 in 2017 and NorSat-3 in 2021. These missions incorporated advanced AIS receivers developed by Kongsberg Seatex and experimental payloads such as a foldable high-gain VHF Yagi antenna designed by SFL.
NorSat-TD, launched in April 2023, stands out as another significant mission. In addition to AIS tracking, it carries experimental payloads, including the SmallCAT laser communications device. This Dutch-built instrument achieved data transfer from a microsatellite to a ground station via optical link, a feat enabled by precise attitude control technology developed by SFL.
Related Links
Space Flight Laboratory
Microsat News and Nanosat News at SpaceMart.com
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