Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), the prime institution responsible for defense-related research in Norway, has awarded a contract to Exolaunch to launch the organization’s ARCSAT satellite aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
The teams of Exolaunch and GomSpace, the ARCSAT’s satellite manufacturer, have just completed a successful integration of the ARCSAT satellite into the satellite’s deployer at Exolaunch’s headquarters in Berlin, prior to shipment for the launch campaign at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The satellite is scheduled for launch to SSO with Falcon 9 NET, April 2022, as part of SpaceX‘s SmallSat Rideshare Program.
ARCSAT is a 6U smallsat designed to demonstrate the use and relevance of a satellite relay for UHF communication at high latitudes. For a polar orbit above 500 km., the satellite will be able to cover any point on the Earth’s surface ranging from 4 up to 15 daily passes at higher latitudes.
Exolaunch, a global launch integrator working under a Multi-Launch Agreement with SpaceX, is providing launch services, satellite integration and deployment services for the FFI’s satellite aboard Transporter-4 mission. To date, Exolaunch has arranged launches for 200 satellites for NewSpace industry leaders, start-ups, space agencies and academia. FFI will benefit from Exolaunch’s proprietary deployment technologies, technical expertise, and decade-long unique flight heritage, to launch their satellite into a destined orbit.
Lars Erling Bråten, Principal Scientist at FFI, said, “We look forward to testing UHF communications in the High North via ARCSAT. The test and demonstration campaign will be important for determining the usefulness of non-geostationary TACSAT services.”
Jeanne Allarie, VP Launch at Exolaunch, said, “We are proud to have been selected by Norway’s FFI as a launch partner to deliver the ARCSAT satellite into orbit aboard SpaceX Falcon 9. Fast access to space, flexible launch services and customer-centric approach have always been our core values and we can’t wait to start the launch campaign for ARCSAT in less than a week.”
Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) is the prime institution responsible for defense-related research in Norway. The Establishment is the chief adviser on defense-related science and technology to the Ministry of Defence and the Norwegian Armed Forces’ military organization. The demand for expert and flexible armed forces requires continuous renewal and Norway’s unflagging emphasis on defence technology keeps FFI busy. It is a true challenge to make significant contributions to the development of the Armed Forces – both in its principal national defence role as well as in its various roles as an effective participant in international security operations. Relevant defence research now requires international cooperation. In order to maintain a position at the forefront of science and technology within chosen sectors, FFI collaborates with national and international scientific institutions and industry. The Establishment also has a close working relationship with its partners and customers.
