SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Communication Satellites for Arctic Broadband Mission
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket took off on August 11, carrying two communication satellites for Space Norway’s Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM).
The launch happened at 10:02 p.m. Eastern from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. These satellites aim to improve broadband services over the North Pole and surrounding areas.
Built by Northrop Grumman, each satellite carries multiple payloads: secure communication systems for the U.S. military, an X-band payload for Norway’s Armed Forces, a Ka-band payload for Viasat, and a Norwegian Radiation Monitor.
The satellites entered a Molniya orbit, which is unique because it covers northern and southern Earth regions better than other orbits. This is SpaceX’s first time launching to this type of orbit.
I think it’s pretty cool how this mission will help people in remote places get better internet.
The first stage of the Falcon 9 successfully landed on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean after its 22nd flight. The satellites, named ASBM-1 and ASBM-2, use Northrop Grumman’s GEOStar-3 bus platform and operate in highly elliptical polar orbits.
The U.S. Space Force says the EPS-R payload on these satellites is their first operational payload hosted on an international partner’s commercial satellite. This is a big step for military-commercial teamwork.
Troy Brashear from Northrop Grumman mentioned that this mission will meet high demands for communication in areas traditional satellites can’t reach. He highlighted the region’s growing importance due to its resources and strategic shipping lanes.
In 2019, Northrop Grumman was chosen to build these satellites, with the EPS-R payloads made under a separate contract with the U.S. Space Force.
