Norway is leading Europe in maritime surveillance with the launch of NorSat-4, a new-generation microsatellite designed to track merchant shipping near its shores.
Developed by Canada’s Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) for the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA), NorSat-4 features a fifth-generation Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver and a first-of-its-kind low-light imaging camera.
“NorSat-4 maintains Norway’s leadership in space-based maritime situational awareness with a cost-effective small satellite program,” said SFL director Dr. Robert Zee. “The addition of the low-light imaging camera on this mission continues the NOSA tradition of testing cutting-edge onboard technology.”
The low-light optical camera, built by Safran Reosc of France, enhances the Norwegian Coastal Administration’s ability to detect and track vessels in Arctic waters, even in total darkness. This is crucial for identifying ships that deactivate their AIS transmitters or manipulate location data for illegal activities. The camera can optically detect vessels longer than 30 meters, improving security and monitoring in Norway’s territorial waters.
With NorSat-4, Norway continues to set the standard for space-based maritime monitoring, reinforcing its role as a global leader in coastal security and surveillance technology.