# ASBM 2

> Norwegian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q128933560](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q128933560)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/asbm-2

## Summary
ASBM 2 is a Norwegian communications satellite operated by Space Norway as part of the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission. Launched in August 2024, it is designed to provide high-speed telecommunications and broadband coverage specifically for the Arctic region using a highly elliptical Molniya orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** August 12, 2024, at 02:02 UTC
- **Operator:** Space Norway
- **Manufacturer:** Northrop Grumman Space Systems
- **Launch Vehicle:** SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5
- **Orbit Type:** Molniya orbit
- **Launch Weight:** 3,505 kg
- **Design Life:** 15 years
- **Spacecraft Bus:** GEOStar-3
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Aliases:** ASBM B, Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission 2, GX 10B, EPS-R 2

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of ASBM 2?
A: ASBM 2 is designed to provide mobile broadband and telecommunications coverage in the Arctic region. It serves both civilian and military needs, addressing the lack of reliable high-latitude connectivity from traditional geostationary satellites.

### Q: Who built and launched the ASBM 2 satellite?
A: The satellite was manufactured in the United States by Northrop Grumman Space Systems using their GEOStar-3 bus. It was launched by SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

### Q: Why does ASBM 2 use a Molniya orbit instead of a standard orbit?
A: A Molniya orbit is a highly elliptical orbit that allows the satellite to spend the majority of its time over the Northern Hemisphere. This provides the necessary high-elevation angles required for consistent communication coverage in the extreme Arctic.

## Why It Matters
ASBM 2 is a critical infrastructure asset for the Arctic, a region that has historically suffered from poor connectivity due to the limitations of geostationary satellites. Because standard communications satellites orbit above the equator, their signals often cannot reach high-latitude areas effectively. By operating in a Molniya orbit, ASBM 2 (alongside its twin, ASBM 1) ensures continuous, high-capacity broadband for maritime, aviation, and government users in the high north. The mission represents a significant collaboration between Norwegian and international partners to provide essential services for defense, research, and commercial operations in one of the world's most remote environments.

## Notable For
- **Arctic Connectivity:** Specifically engineered to solve the "coverage gap" in the Arctic circle where traditional satellite signals are weak or unavailable.
- **Molniya Orbit Utilization:** Employs a specialized highly elliptical orbit to maximize dwell time over the northern polar regions.
- **Multi-Payload Capability:** Carries multiple distinct payloads, including GX 10B and EPS-R 2, to serve diverse telecommunications and military requirements.
- **Extended Service Life:** Built on the GEOStar-3 platform with a design life of 15 years, ensuring long-term infrastructure stability for the region.

## Body

### Mission and Ownership
ASBM 2, also designated as ASBM B, is a core component of the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM). It is owned and operated by Space Norway, a government-owned enterprise. The mission was established to provide a dedicated communications solution for the Arctic, supporting both Norwegian national interests and international partners.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite was constructed by Northrop Grumman Space Systems in the United States. Key technical data includes:
*   **Spacecraft Bus:** GEOStar-3
*   **Mass:** 3,505 kg (launch weight) and 1,925 kg (dry weight).
*   **Power System:** Equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays generating 7,235 units of power and a rechargeable battery system with a capacity of 9,910 units.
*   **Design Life:** The satellite is rated for a 15-year operational lifespan.

### Launch and Orbital Operations
ASBM 2 was launched on August 12, 2024, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. The launch was conducted by SpaceX using a Falcon 9 Block 5 orbital launch vehicle. 
*   **Orbit:** Unlike typical communications satellites in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), ASBM 2 operates in a Molniya orbit. This highly elliptical path is essential for maintaining a line of sight to the Arctic.
*   **Identification:** The satellite is tracked under SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) 60423 and COSPAR ID 2024-143B.

### Payloads and Aliases
The satellite is associated with several payload designations and mission aliases, reflecting its multi-functional nature:
*   **GX 10B:** A payload designation related to commercial broadband services.
*   **EPS-R 2:** An alias or payload designation (Enhanced Polar System-Recapitalization) often associated with military communications.
*   **ASBM B:** The secondary designation within the two-satellite Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission constellation.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/asbm-1.htm)
2. [Source](https://spacenorway.no/en/heosat/)
3. SATCAT
4. [Next Spaceflight](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/2022)
5. [SpaceX launches two satellites for Arctic broadband mission. SpaceNews. 2024](https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-two-satellites-for-arctic-broadband-mission/)
6. [Source](https://spacenews.com/northrop-grumman-to-build-two-triple-payload-satellites-for-space-norway-spacex-to-launch/)
7. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/asbm)