NATO Defense Giant Licenced To Serve Satellites for China’s Military
Summary
A European satellite company owned by a NATO defense contractor is licensed to provide services to dozens of Chinese satellites linked to China’s military. The company, Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), communicates with satellites owned by Chang Guang Satellite Technology, which has ties to Chinese government and defense research. Norwegian authorities recently threatened KSAT with fines for unauthorized satellite communications.Key Facts
- KSAT is a European satellite company owned by a NATO defense contractor and partly by the Norwegian government.
- KSAT services 42 satellites from Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. Ltd. (CGSTL), China’s largest commercial satellite firm.
- CGSTL was established by China’s Jilin provincial government and a state research institute involved in national defense.
- The Chinese company has provided support to Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have attacked U.S. interests.
- Norwegian regulator NKOM accused KSAT of illegally communicating with five satellites and threatened fines.
- KSAT did not confirm details due to confidentiality rules and denied involvement with the satellites cited by NKOM.
- KSAT operates a major ground station in Svalbard, Norway, providing uplink and downlink services for polar orbit satellites.
- KSAT has significant business with the U.S. government, including recent contracts for missile defense services.
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