Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Norway

01/16/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/16/2025 13:53

Norway signs space agreement with the US

Norway signs space agreement with the US

Today, Norway and the U.S. signed a Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA), which will facilitate the launch of U.S. launchers and satellites from Andøya Spaceport.

- The agreement is a major step toward making Andøya one of the world's most attractive locations for satellite launches. The U.S. is the world's largest satellite market. Norway and Andøya Spaceport greatly appreciate the opportunity to launch satellites for U.S. clients, says Cecilie Myrseth, the Norwegian Minister for Trade and Industry.

The TSA is a bilateral agreement, which will prevent unauthorized dissemination of U.S. technology. This agreement is necessary for the US authorities to authorize the transfer of U.S. commercial launchers to launch facilities in Norway. The U.S. has concluded similar agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, among others.

- The negotiations with the U.S. on the TSA have been a high priority for the Norwegian Government. I am satisfied to see that we are now ready to enter into this agreement, says Espen Barth-Eide, the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The agreement represents a further development of the bilateral relationship between Norway and the U.S. This field of technology is of immense importance to both countries. It could also benefit both countries' security and underscore the importance of Norway as an allied nation in the Arctic. Space infrastructure in the High North is of great strategic value to both Norway and NATO. There is an increasing U.S. interest in using Andøya Spaceport and in cooperating with Norway on space activity. The TSA will allow us to cooperate even further. Increased cooperation with our NATO allies strengthens Norway's security and is welcomed by the Government.

- This is a significant agreement for Norwegian security. Space activity is becoming more important for defense cooperation, and Andøya is of great value for Norway as well as for our allies. Norway has a leading role in space technology in the Arctic, and through this agreement, we enhance our important cooperation with the U.S. and NATO at Andøya, says Bjørn Arild Gram, the Norwegian Minister of Defence.

Facts about Andøya Spaceport and Norwegian Space Activity

In June 2020, the Norwegian Parliament made an appropriation of 365 million NOK (about 32 million USD) to establish Andøya Spaceport in Northern Norway. The Spaceport was officially opened in November 2023. German launch-service provider Isar Aerospace has entered into a long-term agreement with Andøya Spaceport and expects to make its first launch within the next few months. The TSA facilitates the further development of Andøya Spaceport with U.S. and European partners. In addition to the 365 million NOK apropriated in 2020, another 200 million NOK have been appropriated in the Norwegian defence budget for 2024 and 2025, to facilitate military use of Andøya Spaceport.

Satellites are vitally important for civil security, sustainable development, and military defense activities. This is especially true in the High North. Long distances and a harsh climate make satellites for navigation, communication, and surveillance especially crucial. These are necessary tools for maintaining Norwegian sovereignty, economic activity, and public service provisions. Space infrastructure in the High North is a high priority for the Norwegian Government.

On December 16, 2024, Space Norway's Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) became operational. The ASBM consists of two satellites in orbit over the North Pole and is a public-private partnership between the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, Space Norway, the U.S. Space Force, and Viasat. On January 14, the Norwegian Coastal Administration's new satellite, NorSat-4, was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite carries an advanced payload, which will contribute to better maritime surveillance for the Norwegian Coastal Administration and the Norwegian Defence Forces.