Introduction

The maritime industry has witnessed a significant advancement in vessel monitoring with the launch of Norway’s NorSat-4 microsatellite. Developed by Canada’s Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) for the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA), this innovative spacecraft is set to revolutionize maritime monitoring, particularly in the challenging Arctic territorial waters.

NorSat-4: A New Era in Maritime Monitoring

NorSat-4, the seventh spacecraft built by SFL for NOSA, is equipped with advanced technologies to enhance maritime surveillance. These include:

• A fifth-generation Automatic Identification System (AIS) ship tracking receiver.
• A pioneering low-light imaging camera.

The microsatellite, built on SFL’s 35-kg DEFIANT bus, was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard the SpaceX Transporter-12 rideshare mission on January 14.

Advanced Low-Light Imaging Camera

The low-light optical camera on NorSat-4 is a game-changer for the Norwegian Coastal Administration. It supplements the AIS receiver by optically detecting vessels longer than 30 meters in Arctic darkness. Developed by Safran Reosc of France under contract with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, this camera requires:

• Active thermal control to maintain low-light image quality.
• Precise attitude control for accurate image geolocation.
• A compact mechanical iris shutter designed by SFL to protect the camera from direct sun exposure.

History of Norway’s Maritime Monitoring Satellites

SFL has a long history of supporting Norway’s maritime traffic monitoring initiatives:

• AISSat-1 (2010): A 7-kg nanosatellite that first proved AIS signals could be detected from space.
• AISSat-2 (2014): A follow-up mission that also exceeded its design expectations.
• NorSat-1 and NorSat-2 (2017): Larger satellites with improved AIS receivers and experimental payloads.
• NorSat-3 (2021): Continued the NorSat series with further advancements.
• NorSat-TD (2023): A technology demonstration microsatellite featuring the SmallCAT laser communications device, enabling data transfer via optical link.

Key Technological Achievements

Several technological milestones have marked the NorSat program:

• Development of a foldable high-gain VHF Yagi antenna by SFL.
• Precise attitude control and fine steering technology for low-mass spacecraft.

Conclusion

NorSat-4 represents a significant leap forward in maritime monitoring, particularly in the Arctic regions. With its advanced AIS receiver and low-light imaging camera, NorSat-4 enhances the Norwegian Coastal Administration’s capabilities in detecting and tracking vessels. The successful collaboration between SFL and NOSA continues to set new standards in space-based maritime surveillance.

Sources:

• New Microsatellite Boosts Norwegian Maritime Monitoring