Smarter, more environmentally friendly spacecraft control

The space industry is growing, with spacecraft launched into space to support research, navigation, communication and security.

Nammo Raufoss in Innlandet provides solutions for the space industry. In 2021, we awarded the company a grant of NOK 25 million to develop a complete guidance and positioning system for satellites and space probes that will use a significantly more environmentally friendly fuel.

'Our support is very important to the development work. What we are achieving through our space activities matters for Norwegian business development. The project has significant potential to create jobs both regionally and nationally, not least through export sales,' says Lars Åge Sangnæs, CFO at Nammo Raufoss.

Our funding comprises NOK 10 million in innovation grants, NOK 5 million from the Environmental Technology Scheme and NOK 10 million from the regional development fund. This made Nammo Raufoss the largest recipient of our funding in Innlandet last year.

The company is part of the Nammo Group and a key player in Vestre Toten's strong industrial community. Defence products have been central to its operations since it was founded in 1896, and today it also develops components and rocket engines for the space industry.

Launching spacecraft requires enormous amounts of energy, and today's engines use a highly environmentally damaging fuel. The 'RACS' system now being developed by Nammo Raufoss will use hydrogen peroxide instead of hydrazine as fuel. This will significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

However, changing the fuel means that all components associated with the launch vehicles that carry spacecraft from the launch pad into space must be redesigned or modified. The solution the company aims to deliver must therefore meet stringent requirements for quality, precision and safety. If the project succeeds, the system could also be adapted for other types of launch vehicle.

The Innlandet-based company has a high level of technological expertise and employs around 100 people. To assess the project's technology and risks, we brought together a panel of experts to support our evaluation. The panel was consistently positive about the project and believed it was now or never. They also assessed the project's sustainability and found no 'red flags'.

'This project is highly innovative and has a positive environmental impact. The company has strong expertise, and we hope it will succeed in developing the project,' says Trond Husan, financing adviser at our Innlandet office.