Satellite Ground Systems

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace provides complete satellite ground systems solutions spanning antenna systems, ground station software, data processing pipelines, and command-and-control interfaces for LEO satellite missions. The company has delivered ground segment infrastructure for Norwegian national satellite programs including the NorSat maritime surveillance satellites and AISSat Automatic Identification System receivers, as well as contributing to ESA Copernicus and other institutional ground segments.

Kongsberg’s ground systems portfolio includes modular antenna control systems for S-band and X-band TT&C, software-defined ground receivers compatible with multiple frequency bands and modulation schemes, and operational software for mission planning, scheduling, and satellite contact management. The company leverages Norway’s geographic position with extensive ground station installations supporting Arctic coverage gaps in global satellite networks.

Key capabilities include the development of miniaturized Automatic Identification System (AIS) and VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) payloads for ship tracking and maritime communications — an area where Kongsberg has unique expertise driven by Norwegian maritime and shipping industry requirements. These technologies support IMO-mandated vessel tracking, search and rescue operations, and safe navigation in ice-covered Arctic waters where terrestrial VHF coverage is absent.