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US Space Force, DIU delegation participate in commercial partnering dialogues held in Norway, US

  • Published
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Maj. Gen. John Olson, Mobilization Assistant to the Chief of Space Operations and Space Force lead for Joint All Domain Command and Control, recently led a delegation from the U.S. Space Force Headquarters and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to participate in the Spaceport Norway conference held in Oslo.

Olson provided keynote remarks and spoke about U.S.–Norwegian partnership opportunities and the need for resilient architectures, responsive space infrastructure and robust partnerships for global mission success and sustainability in the modern era. He highlighted that one of the three primary lines of effort for the United States Space Force Chief of Space Operations is partnering to win—something that resonated strongly with the multitude of Norwegian partners and stakeholders. He also participated in the panel discussion: “Space Infrastructure: The Frontline of Security and Emerging Threats.”

Merrick Garb, Commercial, Civil and Interagency Partnerships Branch Chief, Global Partnerships Directorate (S5P) spoke on a panel “Race Against Time: Strategies for Faster Innovation.”

While attending the conference, the delegation met with multiple Norwegian government and industry representatives across the space, technology, data/AI, innovation and security spectrum for presentations, engagement and discussions to learn more about the policies, products and solutions being developed and offered within the Norwegian space industry.

The increased, rapid use of commercial solutions is key to increase the pace of and access to innovation. Working closely with Innovation Norway as the official trade and investment promotion agency of Norway, this series of engagements both assisted the U.S. Space Force with identifying opportunity for global commercial partnerships and illuminated the collaboration and partnership potential for much closer ties at the strategic, operational, and tactical level.

The delegation visited the municipality of Bodø, where they met with the Civil Aviation Authority and Nordland County Council. The U.S. contingent shared valuable lessons learned and insight regarding space traffic management, launch and re-entry licensing and dynamic space and ground operations. There was also a tour of the Norwegian Aviation Museum, where the U.S. delegation learned about Norway’s rich history in aviation and aerospace. This newfound knowledge of Norway’s history of pioneering aerospace activities underpinned focused and energetic discussions about actionable steps that can launch an incredible future.

The highlight of the fast-paced series of meetings was touring the recently opened Andøya Spaceport, one of only two orbital launch facilities in Europe and the only one with no land overflight. Building on a rich history of sounding rocket launches that have been instrumental in advancing global knowledge about the poles and Van Allen radiation belts, the first orbital launch is scheduled for early 2024.

The contingent participated in detailed guided tours of both Andøya Spaceport and Andøya airport from Andøya Space and Isar Aerospace, which unveiled their newly finished pad and satellite, assembly, integration and test (AIT) facilities and informed the delegation regarding future development plans and opportunities for collaboration. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway officially opened the Andøya spaceport immediately after the visit by the U.S. contingent.

Olson summarized the trip by saying, “Norway is a trusted and vitally important partner, NATO ally and Nordic leader with an important portfolio of capabilities bolstered by a visionary set of innovative government, industry and institutional leaders. This series of fast-paced engagements and meetings was just the bold first step as we look to take a giant leap forward in the near future – together.”

Olson added, “We look forward to continuing our discussions with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, Innovation Norway, Business Norway, Andøya Spaceport and the organizations we met to further explore, expand and engage partnership opportunities that deliver mutual benefit and timely outcomes for a more safe, secure, stable and sustainable future in space.”

“Innovation Norway views commercial engagements with both the USSF and DIU as a huge opportunity for the Norwegian space and defense industry and a potential catalyst to the rapid development of the new space economy here in Norway,” said Per Niederbach, Executive Vice President of the Division Trade and Investment at Innovation Norway.

US Space Force, DIU delegation participate in commercial partnering dialogues held in Norway, US

  • Published
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Maj. Gen. John Olson, Mobilization Assistant to the Chief of Space Operations and Space Force lead for Joint All Domain Command and Control, recently led a delegation from the U.S. Space Force Headquarters and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to participate in the Spaceport Norway conference held in Oslo.

Olson provided keynote remarks and spoke about U.S.–Norwegian partnership opportunities and the need for resilient architectures, responsive space infrastructure and robust partnerships for global mission success and sustainability in the modern era. He highlighted that one of the three primary lines of effort for the United States Space Force Chief of Space Operations is partnering to win—something that resonated strongly with the multitude of Norwegian partners and stakeholders. He also participated in the panel discussion: “Space Infrastructure: The Frontline of Security and Emerging Threats.”

Merrick Garb, Commercial, Civil and Interagency Partnerships Branch Chief, Global Partnerships Directorate (S5P) spoke on a panel “Race Against Time: Strategies for Faster Innovation.”

While attending the conference, the delegation met with multiple Norwegian government and industry representatives across the space, technology, data/AI, innovation and security spectrum for presentations, engagement and discussions to learn more about the policies, products and solutions being developed and offered within the Norwegian space industry.

The increased, rapid use of commercial solutions is key to increase the pace of and access to innovation. Working closely with Innovation Norway as the official trade and investment promotion agency of Norway, this series of engagements both assisted the U.S. Space Force with identifying opportunity for global commercial partnerships and illuminated the collaboration and partnership potential for much closer ties at the strategic, operational, and tactical level.

The delegation visited the municipality of Bodø, where they met with the Civil Aviation Authority and Nordland County Council. The U.S. contingent shared valuable lessons learned and insight regarding space traffic management, launch and re-entry licensing and dynamic space and ground operations. There was also a tour of the Norwegian Aviation Museum, where the U.S. delegation learned about Norway’s rich history in aviation and aerospace. This newfound knowledge of Norway’s history of pioneering aerospace activities underpinned focused and energetic discussions about actionable steps that can launch an incredible future.

The highlight of the fast-paced series of meetings was touring the recently opened Andøya Spaceport, one of only two orbital launch facilities in Europe and the only one with no land overflight. Building on a rich history of sounding rocket launches that have been instrumental in advancing global knowledge about the poles and Van Allen radiation belts, the first orbital launch is scheduled for early 2024.

The contingent participated in detailed guided tours of both Andøya Spaceport and Andøya airport from Andøya Space and Isar Aerospace, which unveiled their newly finished pad and satellite, assembly, integration and test (AIT) facilities and informed the delegation regarding future development plans and opportunities for collaboration. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway officially opened the Andøya spaceport immediately after the visit by the U.S. contingent.

Olson summarized the trip by saying, “Norway is a trusted and vitally important partner, NATO ally and Nordic leader with an important portfolio of capabilities bolstered by a visionary set of innovative government, industry and institutional leaders. This series of fast-paced engagements and meetings was just the bold first step as we look to take a giant leap forward in the near future – together.”

Olson added, “We look forward to continuing our discussions with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, Innovation Norway, Business Norway, Andøya Spaceport and the organizations we met to further explore, expand and engage partnership opportunities that deliver mutual benefit and timely outcomes for a more safe, secure, stable and sustainable future in space.”

“Innovation Norway views commercial engagements with both the USSF and DIU as a huge opportunity for the Norwegian space and defense industry and a potential catalyst to the rapid development of the new space economy here in Norway,” said Per Niederbach, Executive Vice President of the Division Trade and Investment at Innovation Norway.