Cannes – Space Norway, Northern Europe’s leading satellite operator, and Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), today announced they have signed a contract for the supply of a new communications satellite, THOR 8. From its orbital slot at 1° west, the THOR 8 communications satellite will meet the growing demand for connectivity and ensure continuity of Space Norway’s broadcasting service over a geographic coverage area from the Nordics to Central and Eastern Europe. THOR 8 will provide top-tier satellite connectivity for broadcasters and high-speed internet access for fixed and mobile infrastructure (maritime, terrestrial and aeronautical services) in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.With a launchmass of 4 metric tons, the satellite will be built on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus 4000B2 platform and will operate in the Ka and Ku frequency bands.
As prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space is responsible for the design, manufacture, testing and delivery of the satellite. THOR 8 will be launched in 2027 and will have an in-orbit service life of over 15 years. “I would like to thank Space Norway for its continued trust in Thales Alenia Space,” said Hervé Derrey, CEO
of Thales Alenia Space. “THOR 8 is our second satellite built for Space Norway, after THOR 6, which was launched in 2009. This new contract further underscores the success of our robust and proven Spacebus 4000 product line, which has represented a total of 41 satellite programs, including 15 based on Spacebus 4000B2 product.”
Morten Tengs, CEO of Space Norway, stated: “The deployment of the THOR 8 satellite is a significant milestone in our mission to deliver advanced and reliable connectivity solutions. This strategic addition will enhance our capabilities, providing critical services to safeguard the interests of both national and
international governments while meeting the demands of our commercial partners. We extend our gratitude to Thales Alenia Space for their long-standing partnership and commitment towards this transformational project.”
