Space Law 2026 Comparisons

Norway adopted a space law as early as 1969. The Norwegian Space Act applied to the launching of objects into space. The Act also fulfilled Norway’s obligations as a party to the so-called UN Outer Space Treaty (the “Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies”), which was ratified by Norway on 6 June 1969. The Norwegian Space Act was an authorisation act that gave the authorities the right to manage space activities through decisions.

On 15 January 2019, the Norwegian Ministry of Industry and Fisheries appointed a Space Law Committee, which was supposed to propose a modern and forward-looking regulation of space activities. The Ministry explained the need for a new law, stating that:

• it is necessary to fulfil Norway’s obligations under international law;
• it is expected that Norwegian space activity will increase both in scale and scope; and
• there is a desire for a law that contributes to Norwegian wealth creation and business development.

On 6 February 2020, the Space Act Committee submitted their report, including the proposed new Space Act, intended to replace the existing Space Act. The proposal has several features in common with other Norwegian laws that require permission to carry out risky activities and is supposed to ensure responsible management of the risks associated with space activities. The proposed act attempts to balance the consideration of the public’s need for governance and the private sector’s need for predictability and clearly defined rules for government intervention. The report was subject to public consultation. On 20 June 2025, the Ministry of Trade and Industry presented the bill (Prop. 155 L (2024–2025)) to the Norwegian Parliament. The Parliament adopted the new Space Activities Act (romloven) in December 2025, and the Act enters into force on 1 July 2026.

The NewSpace and space tech economy in Norway is evolving significantly, driven by advancements in technology, infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. Norway has extensive experience and strong professional communities in space activities. Today, there is a complete value chain – from the development of technology and services, to launches from Andøya Space Port and the download and use of satellite data.

Regulatory Framework

Norway has adopted a new Space Activities Act (romloven) to replace the 1969 Act, aligning with modern space industry needs and ensuring a business-friendly and reliable regulatory framework. The new Act enters into force on 1 July 2026.

The Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry oversees the space industry. Norway signed the Artemis Accords in May 2025 to strengthen international space co-operation and contribute to a safe, peaceful and profitable use of outer space. In November 2025, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Norway signed a letter of intent to explore establishing an ESA Arctic Space Centre in Tromsø, focused on Earth observation, navigation and telecommunications in the Arctic.

Historical Context

Norway was the first country to enact a national space law in 1969, which governs the launching of objects into space.

Stakeholder Positions

The Norwegian government is heavily involved in space, and with regulatory oversight by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, it aims to balance commercial interests with societal needs and international obligations under treaties like the UN Outer Space Treaty. The state’s goal as owner is the highest possible return over time within a sustainable framework.

Space Norway and the Norwegian Space Agency (Direktoratet for romvirksomhet) are two distinct entities, each playing a unique role in Norway’s space industry. Space Norway AS is a state-owned company that develops and manages space-related infrastructure to meet critical societal and commercial needs. It operates as a commercial entity, focusing on creating sustainable and cost-effective solutions for space-related challenges. One of their key projects is the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM), a constellation of two satellites in highly elliptical orbit providing broadband coverage in the Arctic. Space Norway also owns Statsat AS, which operates government satellites and holds a 50% stake in Kongsberg Satellite Services AS (KSAT).

The Norwegian Space Agency (Direktoratet for romvirksomhet, formerly Norsk Romsenter, renamed on 1 September 2025) is a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. It is the state’s strategic adviser on space matters and is responsible for administering Norwegian space policy nationally and internationally. Key responsibilities are:

• representing Norway in international organisations like the European Space Agency (ESA);
• overseeing Norway’s compliance with space-related treaties, including the UN Outer Space Treaty; and
• supporting research and innovation in the space sector.

Andøya Space AS (formerly Andøya Space Center AS) is a 90% state-owned company (with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace holding 10%) delivering operative services and products within space and atmospheric research, environmental monitoring, technology testing and verification. Andøya Spaceport, Norway’s first operational orbital launch site, is operated by its subsidiary Andøya Spaceport AS.

Participation in international technology co-operation, primarily through the ESA and the EU’s space programmes, is the mainstay of Norwegian public investment in space activities. Norway committed EUR292 million to ESA’s 2026–28 programme package, the agency’s largest-ever contribution package at EUR22.3 billion.

Norway’s proactive approach to NewSpace and space tech positions it as a key player in the Arctic and global space economy, with robust legal and regulatory frameworks supporting innovation and international collaboration. Norway is deeply dependent on well-functioning space capacities, both for societal and defence-related purposes. Space-based services have become critical infrastructures with few substitutes, underpinning key sectors of the Norwegian economy, everyday services, public administration and military systems.

For small states like Norway, the high costs and complexity of space activities mean self-sufficiency is unfeasible, and European co-operation is necessary. At the same time, the EU also benefits from Norwegian participation: Norway offers niche expertise, unique Arctic capabilities and northern ground infrastructure that are costly or difficult for other European states to replicate, thereby strengthening European competitiveness and resilience.

Norwegian space activities began in 1962 with probe rocket launches from Andøya, under the control of the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment (Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt – FFI). These activities led to Norway adopting one of the world’s first Space Acts in 1969. Norway became a member of ESA in 1987, and the Norwegian Space Agency (now Direktoratet for romvirksomhet) was established simultaneously.

Norwegian participation in ESA, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and the EU’s space programmes continues to be central to national industrial space investment. The Norwegian authorities have strengthened public investment over time, both through international programmes and through national investments, most importantly in Space Norway AS, to create a communication system in the Arctic.

Today, there are numerous Norwegian private companies providing services to the space industry. Telenor ASA acquired its first satellite in 1992 and is now a significant international service provider. Private actors in the space industry have a turnover of almost NOK10 billion per year, with the industry organisation NIFRO (The Norwegian Industrial Forum for Space Activities) representing members across telecommunications, satellite components, propulsion, satellite development, launch facilities, ground stations and space education.

The Norwegian space industry also partly consists of state funding and activity, and space activity is a separate post in the Norwegian state budget. The majority of the funds go to financing Norwegian participation in international space programmes, and otherwise the operation of the Directorate for Space Activities (Direktoratet for romvirksomhet) and certain national investments. The Directorate, renamed from Norsk Romsenter on 1 September 2025, is the state’s strategic adviser on space matters and has from that date also been assigned responsibility for facilitating civil-military co-operation in the space domain.

In addition, the state controls three executive bodies within space activities, namely the Directorate for Space Activities, Space Norway and 90% ownership in Andøya Space AS. The Directorate manages the state’s investment funds and advises the state, Space Norway develops space infrastructure to meet society’s needs, and Andøya Space serves customers who wish to launch probe rockets and orbital launch vehicles.

In March 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway (Luftfartstilsynet) granted Isar Aerospace SE the first launch permit for a test launch from Andøya Spaceport. The first test flight took place on 30 March 2025, marking the first time an orbital-class launch vehicle lifted off from the European continent. Although the vehicle experienced a technical issue after 30 seconds of flight, the launch demonstrated that Andøya Spaceport is operationally capable of supporting orbital launch activities. In March 2025, the Norwegian Space Agency also signed a contract with Isar Aerospace for the launch of two Arctic Ocean Surveillance (AOS) satellites by 2028 – the first time Norwegian-built satellites will be launched from Norwegian soil under a government contract. In 2026, Isar Aerospace is preparing its second Spectrum qualification flight with six payloads aboard.

Norwegian law is based on a civil law tradition. Thus, the majority of the relevant rules are adopted by the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget). However, the authority to adopt rules can be delegated to administrative bodies, which is the case for both the former 1969 Space Act and the new Space Activities Act (romloven). Furthermore, Norway’s membership in the EEA and obligations under international law will, depending on the circumstances, involve obligations to implement international rules in Norwegian law. For more detailed information, see 1.1 International Legal and Regulatory Developments.

As described in 1.1 International Legal and Regulatory Developments, the Norwegian Parliament adopted the new Space Activities Act (romloven) in December 2025. The Act enters into force on 1 July 2026 and will replace the 1969 Space Act in its entirety.

To date, there has been no relevant case law within space law in Norway.

NewSpace and the Space Tech Economy

The Norwegian space industry started as a state-run business and was, over several years, characterised by government initiatives and governance. Today, however, private actors in the space industry have a turnover of almost NOK10 billion a year, providing a wide range of services and products. A significant portion of space activity is still state-funded, and the majority of the funding goes to financing Norwegian participation in international space programmes.

In addition, the state controls three executive bodies within space activities, namely the Directorate for Space Activities (Direktoratet for romvirksomhet), Space Norway and 90% ownership in Andøya Space AS. The Directorate manages the state’s investment funds and advises the state, Space Norway develops space infrastructure to meet society’s needs, and Andøya Space serves customers who wish to launch probe rockets and orbital launch vehicles.

The Norwegian authorities adopted the new Space Activities Act (romloven) in December 2025, entering into force on 1 July 2026. The new Act provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for all space activities under Norwegian jurisdiction. For more about this, see 1.1 International Legal and Regulatory Developments.

The sectoral responsibility for the space industry belongs to the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. The Ministry has sectoral responsibility for space operations and has agency responsibility for the Directorate for Space Activities (Direktoratet for romvirksomhet) and Norwegian nuclear decommissioning. The Ministry is also responsible for corporate governance of the state’s ownership in Andøya Space AS and Space Norway AS, as well as for space co-operation in the European Space Agency, the EU and the UN. The Civil Aviation Authority of Norway (Luftfartstilsynet) serves as the supervisory authority for space activities, issuing launch permits and overseeing compliance with safety requirements. Thus, the Norwegian state acts as both regulator, participant and facilitator.

Under the 1969 Space Act, in force until 1 July 2026, the authorities (the Ministry of Industry and Trade) have the right to manage space activities through decisions. The Act states that it is illegal to launch objects into space from Norwegian territory, from Norwegian vessels or by Norwegian citizens or people resident in Norway on territory not subject to any state power, unless permission has been granted by the Ministry.

The law does not say anything about when, and possibly under what conditions, such permits shall be granted. The new Space Activities Act (romloven), entering into force on 1 July 2026, introduces a comprehensive licensing regime. A permit is required for the establishment and operation of a spaceport, the launching of space objects and the operation of space objects in orbit. The Act specifies conditions for granting a permit, namely:

• the applicant must have a sound risk management system;
• the applicant must comply with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) rules for satellite registration; and
• the activity must not conflict with Norway’s foreign or security policy interests. The Civil Aviation Authority of Norway (Luftfartstilsynet) has been designated as the supervisory authority.

Specific rules on permission from the National Communications Authority (NKOM) to use earth stations to send or receive data from a satellite in Svalbard and Antarctica follow from the regulations on earth stations for satellites in Svalbard and regulations on earth stations for satellites in Antarctica.

NKOM is responsible for the management of radio frequencies in Norway. The management consists of planning, allocation, guidance and supervision. NKOM collaborates with the ITU, a special body for information and communication technology under the UN, and participates in the International Telecommunication Union – Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R). The ITU-R is responsible for global regulation of the frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. The basis for the ITU-R is the Radio Regulations, an international agreement on how frequency use should be organised at national borders to avoid interference. In Europe, European countries co-operate through the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (Conférence Européenne des Administrations des Postes et des Télécommunications – CEPT).

NKOM does not have its own dispute resolution service but will in practice resolve conflicts through its administrative function.

Norway acts both as a facilitator through its control function (granting permits) and as a provider through Andøya Space. The Civil Aviation Authority of Norway (Luftfartstilsynet) has been delegated authority to grant launch permits. On 14 March 2025, Luftfartstilsynet granted Isar Aerospace SE the first launch permit for a test launch from Andøya Spaceport, following a review process based on the Norwegian Space Act and FAA Part 450 as a standard.

There is considerable regulation of space activities, mainly by UN bodies. Norway has acceded to four of the UN’s five space treaties. The legal landscape is also affected by intergovernmental and non-binding guidelines.

The UN Outer Space Treaty (1967), ratified by Norway in 1969, is the most important treaty on activities in outer space. It establishes basic principles including freedom of exploration, non-appropriation of outer space, and the obligation to require approval and continuous supervision of non-governmental space activities. Norway is also party to the Rescue Agreement (1968), the Liability Convention (1995) and the Registration Convention (1995). Norway is not party to the Moon Treaty.

The Liability Convention gives rules on liability to ensure coverage for damage that occurs because of space activities. The parties to the treaty are liable for compensation to other countries for their own actions and actions carried out by private actors. The new Space Activities Act implements these obligations by establishing strict liability for operators, recourse provisions and mandatory insurance requirements.

Norway has entered into several other multilateral and bilateral agreements, most importantly its co-operation with ESA. Norwegian space law is also affected by non-binding instruments, such as resolutions from the UN General Assembly, decisions from COPUOS and recommendations from the International Law Association. Norway became a member of COPUOS in 2017.

On 15 May 2025, Norway ratified the Artemis Agreement as the 55th country, which is an important step in the country’s space policy. The agreement raises questions about the ownership and regulation of space. It signals Norway’s commitment to co-operation and sustainable use of space.

Norway is also a party to the EEA Agreement, which makes Norway part of the EU’s internal market. Although the EU does not have the competence to harmonise national space law, EU law will, depending on the circumstances, have an impact on national space law, considering that the four freedoms place restrictions on authorities’ ability to interfere with economic activity.

The proposed EU Space Act, which has been under development since 2022, is expected to address safety, resilience and sustainability requirements across the internal market. If adopted by the EU, the regulation would likely be incorporated into Norwegian law through the EEA Agreement. Norway has also secured participation in the EU’s IRIS² Secure Connectivity programme, with a commitment of NOK451.6 million through 2027. However, the evolving securitisation of EU space policy presents challenges for Norway as a non-EU member.

A 2025 report by the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (Norsk Utenrikspolitisk Institutt – NUPI), commissioned by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, found that EU space co-operation is now tightly linked to broader ambitions for strategic autonomy and security and defence policy, leading to more securitised and cross-cutting programmes that fall partly or wholly outside the EEA Agreement. This makes third-country participation more difficult and less guaranteed. The report concluded that Norway’s participation in the EU’s space programme (2021–27) has been highly beneficial, and that non-participation in 2028–34 would weaken Norway’s access to key data, services and information, undermine the competitiveness of Norwegian space industry, and risk an erosion of space competence.

The 1969 Space Act has no rules on liability and insurance. However, the new Space Activities Act (romloven), entering into force on 1 July 2026, introduces comprehensive rules on liability and insurance. The Act establishes strict (objective) liability for the operator according to the model of the Liability Convention. The state may seek recourse from the operator if Norway has to pay compensation under the Liability Convention. Both direct liability and recourse liability are subject to a cap, the amount of which will be specified in subsidiary regulations. The Act also introduces a mandatory insurance obligation for operators.

Norway is a party to the Convention on international liability for damage caused by space objects (the “Liability Convention”). The Convention gives rules on liability to ensure coverage for damage that occurs because of space activities. The new Space Activities Act implements these international obligations into Norwegian national law for the first time.

Under the new Act, the operator bears strict liability for damage caused by a space object on the ground or in airspace. For damage in other locations, the operator’s liability is conditional on fault. The liability cap will be set in subsidiary regulations, providing flexibility to adapt to market developments and different types of space activities. In setting the permit conditions for Andøya Spaceport in August 2024, a maximum recourse liability of EUR60 million was specified. The Act also requires operators to obtain insurance or provide other security for their liability.

The detailed insurance requirements, including maximum levels for mandatory insurance, will be specified in subsidiary regulations to be developed in consultation with industry stakeholders. The Ministry has indicated that the regulations will take into account the competitiveness of the Norwegian space industry and evolving international practice.

The Norwegian government’s airspace strategy acknowledges the challenges in regulating the “border zone” between conventional airspace and outer space. This includes higher airspace operations (HAO) and high-altitude operations.

The strategy references international frameworks like Resolution A40-7 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which aims to address the use of upper airspace (ICAO’s Resolution A40-7 refers to a resolution adopted by ICAO during its 40th Assembly in 2019; this resolution is titled “Addressing Cybersecurity in Civil Aviation” and focuses on the importance of managing cybersecurity risks in the global aviation sector).

However, specific national regulations for very high-altitude (VHA) activities are still under development. The Space Law Committee highlighted the disagreements regarding a definition of outer space under international law and believed that Norway should await the international efforts on a possible multilaterally embedded definition. The Committee also believed there may be grounds for claiming that the boundary for outer space is not lower than 80 km and not higher than 110 km. This ambiguity in international law thereby relates to an area of approximately 30 km. In the absence of an established boundary, it must be determined on a discretionary basis. The new Space Activities Act does not define the boundary of outer space, as the Ministry considered it premature to do so at this stage.

For activities in the border areas between conventional space and outer space, it will be necessary to distinguish between activities that, by their nature, are aviation-related, and activities that should be regulated by the Space Activities Act relating to activities in outer space.

The 1969 Space Act, which remains in force until 1 July 2026, is very brief and concise, consisting of only three sections. It is an authorisation act that gives the authorities (the Ministry of Industry and Trade) the right to manage space activities through decisions. The new Space Activities Act (romloven), adopted in December 2025 and entering into force on 1 July 2026, significantly expands the regulatory framework. The Act is structured as a framework law with 29 provisions in eight chapters, covering licensing, registration, operator obligations, liability, insurance, supervision and sanctions.

Section one states that it is illegal to launch objects into space from Norwegian territory, from Norwegian vessels or by Norwegian citizens or people resident in Norway on territory not subject to any state power, unless permission has been granted by the Ministry. The law does not say anything about when, and possibly under what conditions, such permits shall be granted.

Furthermore, the Space Act gives the Ministry the authorisation to give more detailed regulations, which they have done.

Regulations on earth stations for satellites in Svalbard and regulations on earth stations for satellites in Antarctica state that the establishment, operation and use of an earth station that sends data to or receives data from a satellite require permission from NKOM. Further, the regulation states that it is not permitted to use an earth station to send data to, or read data from, a satellite that performs functions specifically for military purposes, with the exception of assistance to a satellite in an emergency. The holder of a permit to establish, operate and use an earth station with a movable antenna must continuously log all satellite passes where an earth station sends data to or reads data from a satellite and store all relevant data about the antenna control orders at the same level as the logging.

Further, it is assumed that Norwegian space activity will be regulated by the Norwegian Digital Security Act, which implements the NIS1 Directive. The Act is, amongst other things, supposed to counteract unwanted incidents in network and information systems that are used to deliver socially important services and digital services. It was announced in December 2023, and will enter into force in 2024. NIS2, an updated version of the NIS1 Directive, was adopted on 14 December 2022 and implemented by EU member states by 24 October 2024. The NIS2 Directive categorises space activities as “high risk”. NIS2 has not yet been implemented in Norway.

In addition, the Directorate for Space Activities and Space Norway are subject to the National Security Act, which is designed to prevent, uncover and counter activities that threaten national security interests.

The 1969 Space Act has no rules to ensure non-interference with the activities of other space-faring entities. International law lays down few guidelines for the design of the law’s requirements for space activities. To a certain extent, the Ministry or NKOM can set conditions for the granting of permission and thereby control activities that have particular potential for damage. This principle is continued in the new Space Activities Act.

The new Space Activities Act includes rules on responsible conduct of space activities. The rule applies as an overarching norm for how the operator must act. The Act’s special obligations can be seen as casuistic results of what constitutes responsible behaviour. The other obligations also have the function of clarifying the norm, at the same time as the overarching norm implies that the law sets requirements for all parties involved in space activities.

None of the proposed rules specifically apply to non-interference, but the principle of responsible conduct will nevertheless apply as a norm.

The principle of responsible conduct is described in 3.2 Principles of Non-Interference and Prevention of Harmful Interference. The principle is expressed in the rules on space debris and the safeguarding of the environment in the new Space Activities Act.

The new Space Activities Act provides that space activity should not lead to more space debris than is strictly necessary. The obligation is not absolute in the sense that space debris is prohibited. Instead, the threshold is no more than is “strictly necessary”. According to the refined assessment of necessity, space debris is a serious challenge for the sustainable use of outer space, and the operator should therefore make a significant effort to avoid space activity leaving space debris. The Act also requires operators to take into account non-binding guidelines, including the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines and the Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities.

Furthermore, the Act stipulates that space activity must not lead to unnecessary or unreasonable damage to the environment. This duty entails that space activity must be conducted in such a way that the activity does not at any time lead to significant negative effects on the environment. The provision sets a legal standard and is a general material provision that, together with the regulatory authority conferred on the Ministry, grants the opportunity to provide further provisions to ensure that space activities are carried out without unreasonable environmental damage.

There are no specific intellectual property rules applying to space activities and assets.

There is no specific Norwegian regulation on the processing of, or access to, space data.

Norway does not currently have a specific legal framework governing “space data spaces” as a distinct category. However, the country is actively involved in broader data governance initiatives that could encompass space-related data.

National Digital Strategy

Norway aims to be a leader in data-driven innovation and value creation by 2030. The government is participating in the EU’s data space initiatives, which include frameworks for sharing and managing data across sectors. These initiatives focus on interoperability, data sharing and governance, which could indirectly apply to space data.

Space Data in Broader Contexts

EU data spaces

Norway is collaborating with the EU on data spaces relevant to various sectors, including health, energy and potentially space. These data spaces aim to standardise data sharing and governance across borders, which could include satellite data and other space-related information.

Nordic health data spaces

Norway is part of the Nordic Health Data Spaces project, which focuses on cross-border data sharing for healthcare. While not specific to space, this project demonstrates Norway’s commitment to data governance in specialised areas.

Space data and international collaboration

As a member of ESA, Norway contributes to and benefits from shared satellite data for Earth observation, climate monitoring and other applications. The governance of such data is typically handled at the international level.

It is assumed that Norwegian space activity will be regulated by the Norwegian Digital Security Act, which implements the NIS1 Directive. The Act is, amongst other things, supposed to counteract unwanted incidents in network and information systems that are used to deliver socially important services and digital services. It was announced in December 2023, and will enter into force in 2024. NIS2, an updated version of the NIS1 Directive, was adopted on 14 December 2022 and implemented by EU member states by 24 October 2024. The NIS2 Directive categorises space activities as “high risk”. NIS2 has not yet been implemented in Norway.

In addition, the Directorate for Space Activities and Space Norway are subject to the National Security Act, which is designed to prevent, uncover and counter activities that threaten national security interests.

See 3.3 Operators’ Responsibilities. There are no specific rules on protected zones or critical space minerals. However, such considerations will be taken into account when granting permits to conduct space activities.

See 3.3 Operators’ Responsibilities.

See 3.3 Operators’ Responsibilities.

Norway does not have a specific tax system exclusively for space activities. However, the taxation of space-related operations falls under the general Norwegian tax framework, which includes corporate income tax, VAT and other applicable levies.

Norway has extended tax liability to foreign companies operating in specific sectors, such as aquaculture and activities on the continental shelf. While this does not explicitly include space activities, similar principles could apply to foreign entities involved in space operations.

See 6.2 Tax Incentives for Space Investors.

No response has been provided in this jurisdiction.

The state budget for space activities in 2024 was approximately NOK2.1 billion, up from NOK1.68 billion in 2020. Most of these funds support Norway’s participation in international space programmes, particularly ESA and the EU’s programmes (Copernicus and Galileo), as well as the operation of the Directorate for Space Activities and national investments in space infrastructure.

For the period 2020–25, Norway’s financial commitment to ESA amounted to approximately EUR248 million. For 2026–28, Norway has committed EUR292 million to ESA’s largest-ever programme package. Strategic focus areas include strengthening Norway’s role in Arctic satellite communication and Earth observation, supporting space-related industries and enhancing contributions to ESA’s Artemis programme. National priorities include continued investment in Andøya Spaceport and research in space debris management.

Private actors in the space industry can apply for support through Innovation Norway and the Directorate for Space Activities. ESA and the EU also have instruments for development support. In recent years, private financing has increased significantly, supplemented by private risk capital from individual and institutional investors. The emergence of small satellite technology, offering smaller, lighter and cheaper satellites based on commercial components, has lowered the barriers for new market entrants and enabled commercial harvesting and sale of satellite data.

The Norwegian space industry is characterised by having been built up through many years of investment both from the Norwegian authorities and from the business community. Ensuring the competitiveness of Norwegian business is primarily a job for the business community itself, by exploiting the opportunities the changes in the space industry create for competitive products and services.

The Norwegian state aims to ensure these opportunities through good general framework conditions, such as access to qualified labour, well-functioning infrastructure, simple regulations for running businesses, good access to international markets and a user-friendly policy apparatus. The Norwegian authorities also seek to facilitate private investment through public investment and public-private partnerships, with an emphasis on developing new suppliers in the private sector.

There are no such specific rules under Norwegian law. However, actors within the space industry can be subject to the National Security Act, which applies to state, county and municipal bodies and suppliers of goods or services in connection with security-graded acquisitions. The National Security Act has rules on ownership control. If the acquisition of an ownership stake in businesses that are covered by the law will entail a not-insignificant risk of national security interests being threatened, the government can stop the acquisition. Acquisition of a qualifying share in businesses that are covered by the law also entails a reporting obligation.

There are no specific rules for documentation.

Conducting due diligence in NewSpace fundraisings or M&A transactions is essential to evaluate the risks, opportunities and overall value of the target company. The space industry is highly specialised, capital-intensive and regulated, which makes thorough due diligence even more critical. There are no specific rules for due diligence in NewSpace, although some elements should be considered, as follows.

• Space companies often rely on long-term contracts (eg, with governments or commercial clients). Due diligence helps assess the stability and reliability of these revenue streams.
• Space companies often develop proprietary technologies, often in co-operation with others (eg, satellite systems, propulsion technologies provided and developed by several parties). Due diligence should establish ownership of the intellectual property involved and ensure it is free from disputes.
• Space companies must comply with national and international regulations, such as launch licences, satellite operation permits or export controls – eg, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) in the USA.
• Space companies must comply with national and international regulations, such as launch licences, satellite operation permits or export controls (eg, ITAR in the USA).

In Norway, liquidity events in the space industry follow general corporate and financial transaction processes while incorporating considerations specific to the space sector. These processes are influenced by Norway’s regulatory framework, international obligations and the growing NewSpace economy.

Oslo Stock Exchange (Oslo Børs)

Norway’s principal securities market facilitates equity and debt financing for companies across various sectors, including space. It provides access to public capital for space companies seeking to scale operations or fund large-scale projects.

Nordic Securities Markets

Norwegian companies can also leverage regional markets, such as Nasdaq Nordic, for broader investor access.

Patent law in Norway is territorial, meaning that the protection and enforcement of patents apply within Norwegian jurisdiction. Norway adheres to the principles of the Norwegian Patents Act, which grants inventors exclusive rights to commercially exploit their inventions within Norway.

There are no specific rules in Norwegian law that directly address intellectual property rights related to space activities.

In Norway, companies commonly seek patent protection both nationally and internationally, particularly through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system. For space activities, NewSpace companies may choose to protect inventions in all states involved in launching, manufacturing or distributing their technologies. This ensures broader protection and mitigates the risk of infringement.

The space sector is characterised by a high degree of collaboration between various stakeholders, including private companies, public institutions and international organisations. Such collaborations often result in co-ownership or joint ownership of intellectual property rights, depending on the contractual terms. This is more prevalent in the space sector than in many other industries, as projects are typically complex and require contributions from multiple parties.

There are no specific rules in Norwegian law for enforcing patent rights related to space activities.

With the rise of artificial intelligence, space mining and the potential for manufacturing in space, there may be a need for new rules governing the enforcement of patent rights. This is particularly relevant for inventions created or manufactured in space. Currently, to the firm’s knowledge, there are no specific discussions in Norway about applying patent law to space activities, but this could become a relevant topic as the space industry evolves.

There is no applicable information in this jurisdiction.

There is no applicable information in this jurisdiction.

There is no applicable information in this jurisdiction.