SpaceX launched two satellites into the Arctic region on Aug. 11, ensuring the “Great White North” receives a much-needed connectivity boost.
A Falcon 9 rocket, marking its 22nd flight, lifted off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base, carrying a pair of satellites for Space Norway’s Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) constellation.
The two satellites, built by Northrop Grumman, will operate in a highly elliptical orbit and carry a range of payloads, including two U.S. military payloads designed to enable enhanced connectivity in the Arctic region.
“There is a critical need for polar satellite communications, and that need has grown exponentially in the last few decades,” Space System Command’s EPS-R Branch Chief, USAF Maj. Michael Walsh, said in a press release. “The partnership with Space Norway for this mission is the first step at securing the Arctic region and paving the way for future international partnerships here at SSC and across the Space Force.”
The two Enhanced Polar System – Recapitalization (EPS-R) secure communications payloads for the U.S. Space Force, also developed by Northrop Grumman, will enhance satellite communications capabilities in the Arctic region until the Space Force deploys its next-generation Protected Tactical SATCOM system in the early 2030s.
“Our focus in this mission is the value it creates for civil users such as ships and aircraft, and governmental users such as rescue services and the Coast Guard, as well as national and allied forces. We are all looking forward to providing the first dedicated broadband services to users in the real Arctic,” said Space Norway’s ASBM program director, Kjell-Ove Orderud Skare.
Improving connectivity in the Arctic is central to the Defense Department’s (DoD) 2024 Arctic Strategy published in July.
The strategy highlights the importance of leveraging space-based communications infrastructure to enhance operational capabilities in the region. Specifically, the strategy emphasizes the need for investment in satellite solutions to improve both tactical and strategic communications.
Historically, the Arctic has presented significant communication challenges for the Joint Force due to limited legacy satellite coverage. As a result, the strategy calls for a focused effort on developing military satellite communications to bolster communication capabilities in this vital area.
Additionally, this launch marks the first time an operational DoD payload has been hosted on an international space vehicle, underscoring a major milestone in U.S. collaboration with international allies in space and emphasizing the importance of connectivity in remote areas.
The DoD’s 2024 Arctic Strategy also calls for the Pentagon to pursue cutting-edge technology through commercial partners and agreements with allies and partners, especially from NATO.
