WASHINGTON -- The United States and Norway have signed an agreement to facilitate the export of American space hardware for launches in Norway. Announced on January 16, the technology safeguards agreement (TSA) allows for the export of U.S. launch vehicles and satellites to Norway, specifically for operations at Andøya Spaceport, located above the Arctic Circle.
The TSA is expected to position Andøya as a prime site for satellite launches, according to Norway's Minister for Trade and Industry, Cecilie Myrseth. The spaceport received regulatory approval for orbital launches in August 2023, enhancing its launch capabilities.
While no American companies have publicly announced plans to utilize Andøya for launches, Isar Aerospace, a German company, is preparing to launch its Spectrum small launch vehicle from the site, although an updated launch schedule has not been provided.
This TSA is part of a broader initiative by the U.S. government to establish similar agreements with other countries, including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. These agreements aim to maintain export controls while promoting international collaboration in space.
In addition to commercial potential, the Norwegian government has earmarked 200 million kroner ($17.8 million) in its 2024 and 2025 defense budgets to explore military applications of the spaceport. Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram emphasized the growing importance of space activities in defense cooperation, highlighting Norway's strategic role in Arctic space technology.