Integrated Small Satellite Mission Operations Framework

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) and Kongsberg NanoAvionics have established a cooperation to integrate satellite platforms with ground network operations, forming a unified system for small satellite mission deployment and management across multiple application domains.

Context of the Cooperation
KSAT operates a global ground station network and provides mission operations services, while NanoAvionics develops small satellite platforms and mission integration solutions. The cooperation addresses operational complexity in small satellite missions, where fragmented responsibilities ranging from spacecraft manufacturing to data delivery can increase integration effort, latency, and lifecycle costs.

Combining these capabilities enables a consolidated approach to digital infrastructure in space systems, reducing the need for satellite operators to independently procure and integrate ground segment, operations, and data processing resources.

Technical Solution and Responsibilities
The joint solution integrates NanoAvionics’ satellite buses (10–500 kg class) with KSAT’s Integrated Mission Services (IMS), forming a continuous operational chain from launch through in-orbit operations.

NanoAvionics provides spacecraft design, payload integration, and mission configuration. KSAT delivers ground segment connectivity through a network of more than 40 stations, including polar facilities enabling frequent contact windows for low Earth orbit satellites.

The system supports:

Operational control is maintained through 24/7 monitoring centres, where anomaly detection and resolution processes are standardised to reduce mission risk. The architecture supports both single satellites and scalable constellations through modular infrastructure.

Deployment and Implementation
The cooperation builds on existing in-orbit operations where KSAT already supports NanoAvionics-based satellites. The integrated framework is deployed as a managed service, allowing customers to access mission operations without establishing dedicated ground infrastructure.

Implementation includes integration of spacecraft communication interfaces with KSAT’s scheduling and network management systems, ensuring compatibility with standard TT&C protocols and data handling formats. The service model centralises operational responsibilities, including pass management, command uplink, and data dissemination.

Applications and Use Cases
The integrated system targets Earth observation, communications, and security-related missions where responsiveness and data latency are critical. Use cases include:

The cooperation reduces operational overhead by eliminating the need for separate ground segment development and staffing. Centralised operations and optimised pass scheduling improve asset utilisation and reduce latency between data acquisition and delivery.

From a system perspective, tighter integration between spacecraft and ground infrastructure enables faster command-response cycles and more efficient anomaly handling, contributing to improved mission reliability and scalability for growing satellite fleets.

Edited by an industrial journalist Sucithra Mani with AI assistance.

www.kongsberg.com