Customer Profile
KSAT
Kongsberg Satellite Services
Kongsberg Satellite Services, known as KSAT, is a global ground station operator founded in 2002 . It provides Ground Station as a Service capabilities to satellites in various orbits .
For Rocket Lab investors, the relationship is meaningful because it enables global downlink and uplink operations for Electron and Photon missions . A 2024 agreement expands this support to include automated launch and deorbit services for the upcoming Neutron rocket .
Investment Thesis
Kongsberg Satellite Services, known as KSAT, is a global ground station operator founded in 2002 . It provides Ground Station as a Service capabilities to satellites in various orbits .
For Rocket Lab investors, the relationship is meaningful because it enables global downlink and uplink operations for Electron and Photon missions . A 2024 agreement expands this support to include automated launch and deorbit services for the upcoming Neutron rocket .
Key Differentiators
- • Global Infrastructure: Operates a network of ground stations to provide mission-critical downlink and uplink services .
- • GSaaS Model: Offers Ground Station as a Service to support diverse satellite and launch vehicle requirements .
- • Neutron Integration: Collaborates on fully automated launch and deorbit services for the Neutron rocket program .
Risk Factors
- • Operational Dependency: Revenue relies on the ongoing launch cadence and data requirements of global customers .
- • Joint Venture Structure: Funding is restricted to a 50/50 model between Space Norway AS and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, limiting access to external equity markets .
- • Technological Competition: Developing the Hyper orbital data relay constellation faces integration and deployment risks (projection) .
Rocket Lab Relationship
Rocket Lab uses KSAT for essential ground station support, including UHF, S-band, X-band, and Ka-band communication . This relationship covers end-to-end mission communications for Electron and Photon . Newer collaborations focus on Neutron, specifically integrating automated launch and deorbit capabilities .
Business Model
KSAT operates as a 50/50 joint venture between Space Norway AS and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS . The company generates revenue by providing global ground station services and space-based monitoring . Reported revenue reached NOK 2.4 billion for the full year 2025 .
Technology
The core technology is a global ground station network that supports multiple frequencies, including UHF, S-band, X-band, and Ka-band . The service suite includes KSATlite for small satellite ground networks and the Hyper architecture for data relay .
Space Activity
KSAT operates a global ground station network that provides Earth observation and maritime monitoring services . The company is currently developing the Hyper constellation for orbital data relay .
Leadership
Marte Indregard, President and CEO (appointed February 2026). Previously Head of Ground Segment at KSAT.
Funding
The company does not have external funding rounds due to its 50/50 joint venture structure . It is owned by Space Norway AS and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS .
No Missions Found
KSAT has not launched with Rocket Lab yet