Space Norway and SSTL Partner to Advance High-Resolution Maritime Surveillance Satellites

Image credits: Space Norway

Space Norway AS (SPN) and Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) have signed a teaming agreement to jointly develop and promote a new satellite programme designed to deliver high-resolution, wide-swath radar imaging for maritime surveillance.

The partnership brings together SPN’s role as Norway’s leading satellite services provider and operator of critical infrastructure with SSTL’s proven expertise in advanced satellite design and payload systems. Together, the companies aim to offer cutting-edge spaceborne monitoring capabilities to both government and commercial customers worldwide.

The first spacecraft, currently in development, is expected to enter initial operational service in 2027. Its radar technology will deliver unprecedented high-resolution imaging across wide maritime areas with very low latency, enabling rapid detection and classification of vessels. This data will be further enhanced by integration with onboard Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology, ensuring more accurate and validated ship tracking.

Beyond meeting Norwegian national requirements, the agreement establishes a framework to tailor mission capabilities for international customers—covering service provision, satellite sales, or hybrid models.

“We are excited to combine forces with our trusted partner SSTL in developing this cutting-edge satellite programme that leverages Norwegian technologies and capabilities while opening up new markets,” said Morten Tengs, CEO of Space Norway.

Marte Kalveland, Director of Earth Observation and Innovation at SPN, added: “Our radar technology is designed to deliver the long-anticipated High Resolution Wide Swath (HRWS) imaging capability. Once operational, it will provide real-time, high-resolution surveillance of vast maritime regions for global customers.”

From the UK side, Andrew Cawthorne of SSTL emphasized: “This agreement expands SSTL’s Synthetic Aperture Radar portfolio and enables us to offer mission variants for customers that need privacy and priority of service over their own Areas of Interest.”

The collaboration underscores SPN and SSTL’s shared commitment to advancing next-generation Earth observation solutions to strengthen maritime security and situational awareness on a global scale.