Norway and the US Strengthens Space Cooperation in the High North
Norway and the United States have signed a technology safeguards agreement that provides a legal and technical framework for US commercial space launches from Andøya Spaceport, Northern Norway, while also ensuring proper handling of sensitive US technology. (Photo: Isar Aerospace/Andøya Space)
A new US-Norway agreement facilitates American commercial space launches from Andøya Spaceport in Northern Norway. "A major step toward making Andøya one of the world’s most attractive locations for satellite launches," says the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry.
On Thursday, Norway and the US formed an important pillar for further space collaboration by signing a Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA).
This is a bilateral agreement to prevent unauthorized dissemination of American technology. It is necessary for the US authorities to approve the transfer of US commercial launchers to launch facilities in Norway.
Relevant at the present time is Andøya Spaceport in Vesterålen, Northern Norway.
"The agreement is a major step toward making Andøya one of the world’s most attractive locations for satellite launches. The US is the world’s largest satellite market. Norway and Andøya Spaceport greatly appreciate the opportunity to launch satellites for US clients," says Cecilie Myrseth (Labor), the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry.
The US has similar agreements with i.a. Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
"The negotiations with the US 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, states Espen Barth-Eide (Labor), Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Technology Safeguards Agreement was signed by C.S. Eliot Kang, US State Department Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation, and Anniken Huitfeldt, the Norwegian Ambassador to the US. (Photo: the Norwegian Embassy in Washington D.C.)
Space infrastructure in the High North
· “Satellites are vitally important for civil security, sustainable development, and military defense activities. This is especially true in the High North,” states the Norwegian government and elaborates:
· “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.”
Of great strategic value
The TSA further develops Norway-US relations in a significant field, and may provide a security policy benefit for Norway as an allied space nation in the Arctic, the Norwegian government points out.
Space infrastructure in the High North hold high strategic value also for the US and other NATO countries. Furthermore, the US is said to have shown increasing interest in using Andøya Spaceport and an expanded space cooperation with Norway.
Oslo envisions that the TSA will contribute to a solid foundation for closer security policy collaboration within the space sector with Washington D.C. and other allies.
"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," says Bjørn Arild Gram (Center), the Norwegian Minister of Defense, and continues:
"Norway has a leading role in space technology in the Arctic, and through this agreement, we enhance our important cooperation with the US and NATO at Andøya."
Included in defense agreement
The air station on Andøya is an agreed area under the updated US-Norway Supplementary Defense Cooperation Agreement (SDCA), which was adopted by the Norwegian parliament in May 2024.
Prior to this, Norway and the US announced plans for the construction of a temporary satellite station on Andøya for early missile warning in the High North.
Andøya Spaceport
· Andøya Spaceport officially opened in November 2023. It was established through a grant of NOK 365 million passed by the Norwegian parliament in 2020.
· Andøya Spaceport AS is the subsidiary of Andøya Space, which is 90 percent owned by the Norwegian state.
· Last summer, Norway and Germany signed an agreement that enables launches from the spaceport by the German company Isar Aerospace. It plans to launch its first satellite from there shortly, according to the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry.
· The signing of the TSA agreement with the United States forms a stepping stone for Andøya Spaceport to further develop its operations with American customers and partners, in addition to European ones.
· A total of NOK 200 million has been allocated in the Norwegian defense budget for 2024 and 2025 to facilitate military use of the spaceport.
· In Norway's long-term plan for the defense sector, Andøya plays an essential role in developing the Norwegian Armed Forces' space activities. The island will also become a base for long-range drones and a central location for allied reception.
