SelfieSat was a groundbreaking satellite developed, built, and operated by the student group Orbit NTNU at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). 

The students aimed to learn as much as possible about satellites and space technology.

Now, SelfieSat has completed its final orbit around Earth.

Norway's first student satellite has completed its final orbit

Since the establishment of NTNU Orbit in 2018, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has been a proud sponsor, offering both financial backing and technical expertise. Alongside Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), we have supported and encouraged Orbit as they set ambitious goals and, more importantly, their journey towards achieving them.

  • Text:Amanda Chapman-Stavn / KONGSBERG

    Photo:NTNU Orbit

The student organisation has seen significant growth, from 60 members in 2018 to 140 members today. Interest among students at NTNU has increased, largely due to publicity efforts, stands at campus, social media presence, and their pilot project, which gained considerable attention.

“Our partnership with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has been incredibly valuable to us. Of course, the financial support has been important, but equally so the access to courses, lectures, industry contacts, and career opportunities after graduation.”

Victoria Seline Bakken, Chief Marketing Officer at Orbit.

The collaboration with the student organisation has been mutually beneficial. Providing financial and technical support for the students, while giving us an inspiring sense of drive and determination. The students approach new projects with fearless enthusiasm, demonstrating how innovation and a willingness to take risks – when combined seamlessly – pave the way for new solutions.

“The students in Orbit have grown tremendously as an organisation, from their early days to where they are today. They think innovatively and approach each task with full commitment. Moreover, they are curious and ask challenging questions, which keep us on our toes. It is impressive to witness what these students achieve, all while pursuing full-time studies,” says Vidar Lande, senior HR advisor of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, who is responsible for sponsorships with student organisations at NTNU.

From concept to orbit

One of their very first projects is SelfieSat – a groundbreaking satellite developed, built, and operated entirely by the students themselves. The goal? To learn as much as possible about satellites and space technology.

With Earth in the background and using an LCD screen, SelfieSat's mission was clear – to capture the world’s first selfie from space. It was Orbit’s debut satellite, marking a bold step into the realm of space exploration.

Orbit designed, built, and tested several of the subsystems, customising both the software and hardware, including the unique selfie module. Four years later, with the contributions of over one hundred dedicated students, the 2U CubeSat was finally ready to be launched into orbit around the Earth.

May 25, 2022, marked a major milestone for Orbit. Their satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 as part of the Transporter-5 rideshare mission. By August, they received the first signal from SelfieSat, officially marking Orbit's achievement of having a fully operational, home-built satellite in space.

“The satellite has been an extensive and challenging project that has brought space a little closer to Earth. It has taught us to develop creative solutions, never give up despite the circumstances, and treat every challenge as a learning opportunity. Our upcoming satellites will be entrusted with even more ambitious missions,” says Victoria.

A final signal, but new horizons await

Over the course of two years, SelfieSat delivered 118 complete space selfies, inspiring hundreds of students to tackle the impossible. In September this year, Orbit received the final signal from their very first project, as SelfieSat completed its last orbit around the Earth.

“SelfieSat is a cherished project for all of us at Orbit. It’s SelfieSat that makes our other projects possible. While it’s bittersweet that this chapter has come to a close, we are filled with immense pride in what we have achieved.”

Although the final signal has marked the end of SelfieSat, Orbit has several projects in the pipeline, and their ambitions are greater than ever. The students are now working diligently on BioSat and FramSat, with BioSat being their new flagship project.

“We are discussing what our next project will be, beyond BioSat and FramSat. But one thing is certain: with the experience gained from SelfieSat, we will dare to be even more ambitious and expand the size and scope of our future projects.”

Orbit’s satellite projects

Experience that lasts a lifetime 

“The student organisations function much like small businesses, managing every essential aspect – from finance and leadership to communication and operations,” says Lande, adding:

“The project experience they gain, alongside the technical knowledge and hands-on skills, is invaluable for their future careers. Who knows, we may even cross paths with them later in the corridors of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.”

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