Advanced electronics from Horten in space ensure that the navigation equipment in your car works properly, that there is Internet on board aircraft and that distress signals from shipwrecked people are picked up. Kongsberg Space Electronics, one of the program areas in the Space division of Kongsberg Defence Aerospace, is a high-tech company that develops and manufactures electronics that are mounted on board satellites that are sent into space.

– Everything we make is used for advanced functions on board the satellites. We have been in the industry for over 30 years and have electronics in more than 200 satellites orbiting the Earth , says project manager for research and development projects at Norspace, Grunde Joheim.

CLEAR SIGNALS

Norspace's equipment is part of the signal path from the ground, up to the satellite and back down to Earth.

– To make ever-new systems on the ground work accurately, we need satellites. In addition, we need the satellites to communicate with planes in the air and ships out on the oceans. This requires that the equipment we supply is both extremely reliable and accurate , explains Joheim.

SAVES LIVES

Kongsberg Space Electronics is, among other things, a supplier to the Galileo satellite program, which is the EU and the European Space Agency's satellite navigation system.

– We supply boxes that are crucial for providing navigation signals. Search and rescue receivers are also installed in these satellites. For example, they provide the exact position of a triggered emergency beacon. This helps helicopters or ships to be quickly dispatched to the scene of an accident and save lives, says Joheim.

BENEFITS FROM NETWORKING

The fact that there are so many technology companies in Horten means that the companies collectively manage to attract very good expertise. It has also provided the basis for building a good common technology environment in the city.

– Actually, we are a bit alike here, because we all have to be the best at the things we deliver. Since most of us deliver products to an international market, we have the same desire to utilize our cutting-edge expertise to the fullest. This allows us to discuss common issues. High technology is something that lies in the soul of Horten, and we all benefit from it , says Joheim.

TOUGH RACE

Developments in space technology are moving very quickly, and there is fierce international competition for contracts. Therefore, Kongsberg Space Electronics must be the best at what the company delivers in order to win. This means that Joheim and his colleagues must constantly be at the forefront and work hard to lead the way in the development of next-generation equipment.

– Things we didn't think about yesterday are a requirement and everyday things today. What is certain is that in the future there will be more and more new services that will require both more data traffic and more advanced operations from the satellites. We must therefore always be prepared for the next technological shift. It is demanding, but also very exciting to be involved in , says Joheim.