NOVEMBER 20248MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY INSIGHTSIN MY OPINIONChristina Aas is the Technology Director for SmallSat Systems at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, where she leads a talented team in developing Norway's next generation of small satellites to meet governmental and societal needs. With a strong academic background, Christina holds a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's in aerospace engineering and has completed management courses, including at the International Space University (ISU). She co-founded Science & Technology AS in 2010, which became one of Oslo's fastest-growing companies, earning the 5th place Gazelle ranking in 2016.Through this article, Aas emphasises the increasing importance of space assets and capabilities for national security and prosperity. She also discusses the role of space-based systems in enhancing military capabilities, providing monitoring and surveillance and supporting communication.Space assets and capabilities are increasingly important to support inter- and national security and prosperity. In 1982, the US established its Space Command. In 2004, the EU established the European Defence Agency (EDA). However, in 2019, a wave of establishment occurred: NATO Space Policy, US Space Force, UK and France Space Commands. In 2020, Italy and Denmark followed with their space commands, and the Norwegian Intelligence Service was appointed Norway's military space authority. NATO also established its Space Centre in 2020. In 2021, Germany, Spain and Canada established their Space Commands. Space-based systems enhance military abilities to anticipate threats and plan responses with greater speed, effectiveness and precision.Norway's geographical location entails a greater need for space-based services to provide monitoring and surveillance, as well as communication. A civilian-military collaboration has By Christina Aas, Technical Director, SmallSat Systems, Kongsberg Defence & AerospaceNEW SPACE 3.0 ENABLES RESPONSIVENESS, RESILIENCE AND AVAILABILITYChristina Aas
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