Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace ('KONGSBERG’) has completed its N3X satellite constellation with the successful launch of two new microsatellites — ARVAKER 2 and 3 — aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-14 mission from California. The N3X satellite constellation is designed to enhance Norway’s maritime domain awareness.
With our initial N3X satellite constellation in orbit, KONGSBERG’s role as one of Europe’s most integrated space system and surveillance providers has been proved again. With this and future constellations, we are ready to support Norway and other global customers with technology and services to enhance maritime security,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
The N3X constellation is built for persistent monitoring of maritime activity. Its payloads include an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver and a navigation radar detector (NRD) both supplied by by Kongsberg Discovery, and the NRD designed by Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI).
This combination enables N3X to identify cooperative vessels broadcasting AIS, as well as “dark vessels” that disable AIS but continue emitting radar signals. N3X satellites capture these emissions, allowing authorities to geolocate suspicious vessels and support maritime law enforcement, environmental monitoring, and rescue operations among other applications.
The data from N3X will be utilized by the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as other Norwegian government institutions involved in maritime security such as the Coastal Administration, the Directorate of Fisheries, and the Norwegian Customs.
The development and deployment of the N3X constellation highlights KONGSBERG’s vertically integrated space capability: Kongsberg NanoAvionics manufactured three microsatellite platforms for the constellation, Kongsberg Discovery delivered payloads and KSAT (Kongsberg Satellite Services) are providing satellite operations and a global ground station network for low-latency data access.
KONGSBERG companies and subsidiaries cover the full value chain to offer next-generation satellite systems, from delivering our own micro satellites and ground stations to market-leading data processing and analytics. KONGSBERG is uniquely positioned to deliver complete system solutions combing space segment with the ground systems to enhance data delivery and reduce latency. A central part of KONGSBERG’s capability is the ability to assemble, integrate and test satellites with sensitive and nationally controlled payloads in our facilities.
In addition to the N3X satellites, KONGSBERG also successfully integrated and deployed four additional satellite missions aboard the same SpaceX launch. These satellites, delivered by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, serve customers from Germany, Spain, and New Zealand, and will conduct missions in air traffic surveillance, thermal intelligence, and fundamental space research.
In total, KONGSBERG has launched 10 satellite missions so far in 2025, continuing its year-over-year expansion from 9 missions in 2024.
