According to Space Norway, the company has signed an agreement with SpaceX to launch its THOR 8 communications satellite into geostationary orbit in 2027 using a Falcon 9 rocket. The company mentioned that this mission will enhance its communications capabilities for both governmental and commercial customers.

Peter Olsen, Head of the Satcom Division at Space Norway, stated that SpaceX was selected following a competitive process, citing the company’s strong launch record and reliability. He also referenced the successful partnership on the previous Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) satellites launched last year.

According to Stephanie Bednarek, Vice President of Commercial Sales at SpaceX, the company is honored by the trust placed in it by Space Norway and is committed to safely delivering the THOR 8 spacecraft to orbit.

THOR 8 is designed to replace aging satellites and expand Space Norway’s service offerings. The satellite is part of the company’s multi-orbit strategy, which includes operations in low Earth orbit (LEO), geostationary orbit (GEO), and highly elliptical orbit (HEO), providing a broad range of capabilities for diverse customer needs.

The press release mentioned that THOR 8 is being constructed by Thales Alenia Space, and Space Norway is establishing a local presence at the manufacturing facility to monitor its production. The satellite will be operated from Space Norway’s facilities in Oslo and will provide capacity for data services and broadcasting. Intelsat has secured lifetime usage rights for its broadcasting customers, with a commitment of at least 15 years.

According to Space Norway, this partnership with SpaceX reinforces the company’s goal to expand its satellite capabilities and improve communications services for its clients.