According to foreign media reports, on August 12th, two Norwegian Arctic communication satellites were launched by shore based launch vehicles from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, carrying SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and successfully entering their designated orbit. According to reports, after successfully completing testing, the satellite will achieve full coverage of satellite broadband signals in the Arctic region. It is reported that the two Arctic communication satellites launched this time have three dimensions of 3 meters, 3 meters, and 4 meters each, with a solar panel wingspan of 27 meters and an expected lifespan of about 15 years. In 2019, Norwegian Space Corporation signed contracts worth approximately $450 million with American companies Northrop Grumman and SpaceX to manufacture and launch two Arctic communication satellites for expanding network signal coverage in high latitude regions. It is worth noting that the two Arctic communication satellites are dual-use military and civilian satellites. In addition to carrying Viasat's Ka band payload, they also carry the US Space Force's "Enhanced Polar System Restructuring" and "Control and Planning System", the Norwegian Ministry of Defense's X-band military broadband equipment, and radiation monitoring equipment commissioned by the European Commission. Analysis suggests that the two deployed Arctic communication satellites will not only provide civilian broadband signals for the Arctic region, but also enhance the monitoring capabilities of the US military in the Arctic region, providing all-weather anti-interference and secure communication for US and NATO forces' operations. Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Cecily Mills said, "This is an important milestone for Norway. This launch is our largest space project to date and will greatly promote activities related to the Arctic region." In addition to developing the Arctic communication satellite project, Norway has been active in the defense field in recent months. According to reports, in May of this year, Norwegian company Kongsberg collaborated with German defense company Diehl and European Missile Group to jointly promote the development of the "supersonic precision guided weapon" project, and plans to equip the military from 2035. In June, Norwegian company Kongsberg announced that it would open a new missile production plant in Norway to produce NSM anti-ship missiles and JSM cruise missiles. The company's senior management stated that 13 countries have decided to purchase NSM anti-ship missiles and JSM cruise missiles. In July, Norway launched the NOMAD tracked vehicle mounted air defense system, which is equipped with four "Sidewinder" missiles and can detect targets up to 50 kilometers away. It can strike targets such as drones, cruise missiles, and helicopters at any time. In early August, the US State Department approved an agreement to sell 16 sets of M142 "Hamas" rocket launcher systems to Norway, with a total value of approximately $580 million, including a large amount of guided ammunition and tactical ballistic missiles. The agreement has been submitted to the US Congress for final approval. In addition, the Norwegian military announced in June that it will reopen a 40 year old underground mountain hangar at Badufos Air Force Base to accommodate the Norwegian Air Force's F-35A fighter jets. It is reported that Norway has ordered 52 F-35A fighter jets from the United States and has already delivered 40 of them. Analysts say that the escalating regional conflicts in recent years are one of the important reasons for Norway to strengthen its defense construction. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr St ø ller said, "As our security environment continues to deteriorate, we need to invest more funds and pay more attention to defense and preparedness." In April of this year, Norway announced a 12 year defense enhancement plan, investing in four key areas: high-energy explosives, rocket engines, missiles, and artillery ammunition, with an estimated cost of 152 billion US dollars. (New Society)
Edit：Xiong Dafei Responsible editor：Li Xiang
Source：China Defense News
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