For nearly four decades, KONGSBERG has supplied high-quality electronic equipment to telecommunications, navigation, and Earth observation satellites. Its products are onboard more than 250 satellites, serving global satellite operators. The company’s expertise spans the entire value chain - from design and development to manufacturing, qualification, and delivery, supported by advanced in-house competencies in RF and electronic design, simulation, and space-qualified technologies.
This achievement is rooted in long-term collaboration with ESA and the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA), through ESA’s ARTES Industrial Competitiveness program. ESA has supported KONGSBERG in developing and enhancing its TT&C technology which has evolved through multiple innovation cycles. These investments have enabled KONGSBERG to expand its space electronics business, enter new market segments, and strengthen Norway’s space-based competencies, directly contributing to priorities outlined in the Norwegian government’s space strategy.
“A long standing cooperation with KONGSBERG have shown how sustained ARTES support and shared ambition can strengthen both Norway’s role in space technology and Europe’s wider industrial capabilities,” said Domenico Mignolo, Head of the Technology & Products Division in ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications (CSC) Directorate. “We are proud of this major milestone, which illustrates how sustained collaboration has enabled Norway to play a leading part in advancing reliable TT&C solutions while reinforcing Europe’s excellence in critical technologies.”
“This significant milestone proves the value of close cooperation between industry, ESA and national space agencies. KONGSBERG has for many years demonstrated the ability to deliver world class products in a demanding and changing space market. The TT&C subsystems are particular, in that the product serves both commercial and institutional mission. Congratulations to both KONGSBERG and ESA on this achievement!”, says Christian Hauglie-Hanssen, Director General of NOSA.
With its advanced TT&C subsystems, KONGSBERG has broadened Europe’s industrial base and reinforced European non-dependence in critical satellite technologies. The company’s global footprint and partnerships with major primes position Norway as a key contributor to the European and international space value chain.
"Delivering our 200th TT&C unit reflects years of innovation, collaboration, and trust from our partners," said Per-Erik Kristoffersen, Senior Vice President Space & Surveillance at KONGSBERG. We are proud to contribute to Europe’s competitiveness in space and look forward to shaping the next generation of satellite communications."
About ESA's ARTES Industrial Competitiveness programme
The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe's gateway to space, coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its Member States to conduct space programmes and activities. The Industrial Competitiveness programme line of ESA's Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) provides funding and multi-disciplinary expertise to enhance competitiveness in satellite communications. It supports specific activities carried out by SMEs, large industrial consortia and research organisations aimed at developing innovative products and services that strengthen Europe and Canada's position as global leaders in the satcom market.
Through its two components, ARTES Technology and Products and ARTES Partnership Projects, this programme enables organisations to transform promising concepts into market-ready solutions, covering the entire development cycle.
