SpaceX Launches Two Satellites for Arctic Broadband Mission

On August 11, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying two communications satellites for Space Norway’s Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM). The rocket lifted off at 10:02 p.m. Eastern from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, reports SpaceNews.

Overview of Space Norway and ASBM

Space Norway is a state-owned company dedicated to providing satellite communication services for government, defense, and commercial sectors. The ASBM satellites, developed by Northrop Grumman, aim to deliver broadband communications in the North Pole and high-latitude regions.

Satellite Payload Details

Each ASBM satellite carries several payloads, such as the Enhanced Polar System-Recapitalization (EPS-R) from the U.S. military, which ensures secure communications. The satellites also include an X-band payload for the Norwegian Armed Forces, a Global Xpress Ka-band payload for commercial operator Viasat, and a Norwegian Radiation Monitor payload.

Both satellites were positioned in a highly elliptical Molniya transfer orbit. This mission is notable as the first to carry commercial broadband payloads into such an orbit and represents SpaceX’s inaugural launch to this orbit as well. The Molniya orbit has a steep tilt of about 63.4 degrees relative to the Earth’s equator, enabling coverage over northern and southern regions that other orbits typically serve poorly.

Mission Launch Details

The Falcon 9’s first stage, which supported the ASBM mission, completed its 22nd flight. After stage separation, the first stage successfully landed on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean. The satellites, named ASBM-1 and ASBM-2, are built upon Northrop Grumman’s GEOStar-3 bus platform and will operate in highly elliptical polar orbits.

According to the U.S. Space Force, the EPS-R will be the first operational military payload launched on a commercial satellite operated by an international partner, indicating a significant step in military-commercial collaborations.

Strategic Insight

Troy Brashear, Northrop Grumman’s vice president of satellite missions, emphasized that this launch will address the considerable demand for communications in regions not well-served by traditional geostationary satellites. With his background as a retired U.S. Air Force officer with experience in Arctic operations, Brashear highlighted the increasing importance of communication capabilities due to rising interest in natural resources and strategic shipping routes in the region. "Robust communication is becoming essential for both military and commercial users," he noted.

In 2019, Northrop Grumman was awarded the contract by Space Norway to build these two satellites, while the EPS-R payloads were developed under a separate agreement with the U.S. Space Force.

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