Ibadan, 25 June 2024. – Norway and Germany have signed a joint declaration to facilitate German satellite launches from Andøya Spaceport. Andøya Spaceport entered into a multi-year agreement with German Isar Aerospace, which will use the base to launch satellites into space with the Spectrum launch vehicle. Isar Aerospace are preparing the launch pad for launch and expects to carry out its first launch during the second half of 2024.
Norway and Germany have signed international conventions regulating the countries’ space activities. It follows from these conventions that the countries have obligations relating to, among other things, the registration of objects launched into space, financial responsibility in the event of accidents, etc. However, to clarify these responsibilities, Norway and Germany also negotiated a joint declaration: “Joint Declaration of Common Understanding on the imminent launches of German launchers from Andøya Spaceport”, signed by Minister of Industry Cecilie Myrseth and Germany’s ambassador to Norway, Detlef Wächter.
Speaking on the collaboration, Minister Cecilie Myrseth said, “This declaration is an important piece that needs to be in place before German Isar Aerospace can launch its first satellite from Andøya, which could also be the first satellite launch from Europe ever. When German rockets and satellites launch from Norwegian soil, it is important to clarify which country is responsible.”
The Minister also added, ” The declaration we have signed today ensures that the Norwegian and German authorities have a common understanding of the distribution of responsibilities under international law. Andøya can become central to European space activity in the coming years. The favorable geographical location and a world-class competence environment make Andøya Spaceport a suitable place to launch satellites.”
