Technology Safeguards Agreement
Basically, it gives the green light for the export of U.S. space hardware. The agreement is described as a “major step” for Andøya winning future satellite launches.
“The agreement is a major step toward making Andøya one of the world’s most attractive locations for satellite launches,” said Cecilie Myrseth, the Norwegian Minister for Trade and Industry.
“The U.S. is the world’s largest satellite market. Norway and Andøya Spaceport greatly appreciate the opportunity to launch satellites for U.S. clients.”
The TSA is a bilateral agreement, designed prevent unauthorised dissemination of U.S. technology. This is necessary for the US authorities to agree the transfer of U.S. commercial launchers to launch facilities in Norway. Note that similar agreements are already in place with with Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
“This is a significant agreement for Norwegian security,” added Bjørn Arild Gram, the Norwegian Minister of Defence.
“Space activity is becoming more important for defense cooperation, and Andøya is of great value for Norway as well as for our allies. Norway has a leading role in space technology in the Arctic, and through this agreement, we enhance our important cooperation with the U.S. and NATO at Andøya.”
Andøya
The Andøya Spaceport in Norway officially received its Launch Site Operator licence in September last year. This was from the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.
Specifically, the spaceport is located at Nordmela on the Norwegian island of Andøya, pictured above.
Being in the far north on a coastline, the site offers launches to highly retrograde orbit inclinations, favourable for sun synchronous as well as polar orbits, the spaceport highlights. It will be able to support the launch small satellites of up to 1.5 tons.
The spaceport officially opened in November 2023. It has been preparing to be the future launch site for small and medium sized satellites.
Isar Aerospace
Note that Isar Aerospace – a Munich-based aerospace specialist – has agreements in place for future launches from the site.
The company has a dedicated launch pad at the spaceport. And it is Isar Aerospace’s in-house developed launch vehicle Spectrum, that is expected to be launched from the location.
Images: Government.no (top), Andøya Space (bottom)
See also: Rocket Factory Augsburg licensed to launch from Shetlands in UK first
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