Space Norway Launches Mimir 1 Satellite for In-Orbit Testing Access

Space Norway has launched Mimir 1, its first in-house developed satellite, on March 29 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Mimir 1 serves as a laboratory for Earth observation, communications, and navigation testing, providing access to in-orbit testing for other industry stakeholders and academia. The satellite features a Software Defined Radio and an onboard computer that can be programmed in orbit. Mimir 1 will test IoT services and includes a VDES communications system to enhance data exchange capabilities. It has a planned operational lifetime of seven years.

Published Mar 26, 2026

Space Norway launched Mimir 1 on March 29 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. This satellite is designed for in-orbit testing of Earth observation, communications, and navigation technologies, providing flexible access to space for industry and academia.

AI-curated by Theia

Mimir 1, weighing 93 kg and with a wingspan of 2.3 meters, includes a Software Defined Radio and an onboard computer that can be reprogrammed from the ground. Its first experiment will test satellite-based IoT services for the European Space Agency.

Mimir 1 will operate in low Earth orbit at approximately 600 km and has a planned operational lifetime of seven years. Concurrently, the AISSat-4 satellite will also be launched.