Space

On 1 January 2024, the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) was assigned responsibility for conducting independent investigations of accidents and incidents relating to space activities. Norwegian and international space activities are increasing, and new activities such as the launch of satellites into orbit entail the potential for accidents and serious incidents.

What do we do?

The NSIA’s Aviation Department is responsible for investigating incidents and accidents in space activities. The Department’s work is led by Director Kåre Halvorsen, and carried out by staff with the relevant expertise in space activities.

The NSIA does not apportion blame or liability under criminal or civil law. Investigations are conducted independently of other investigations or inquiries that are wholly or partly conducted for such purposes. The NSIA’s investigation reports are not to be used for purposes other than preventive safety work. Read more about the NSIA's mandate here.

Laws and regulations

In Norway, space activities are governed by, among others, the Act No. 38 of 13 June 1969 on the launch of objects from Norwegian territory, etc. into space (available in Norwegian only). There are currently no regulations that directly govern investigations of accidents resulting from space activities. The NSIA will, as far as appropriate, apply the rules set out in the Aviation Act relating to the investigation of aviation accidents to investigations relating to space activities, in line with the proposed new act relating to activity in outer space, published in the Space Law Committee’s report ‘Rett i Bane’ (Into Orbit – available in Norwegian only), Section 30 Investigative authority.

The NSIA has been tasked with conducting independent investigations of accidents and incidents that may occur in connection with space activities over the 2024 national budget – allocation letter to the NSIA. 

About the investigation process

The NSIA assesses which incidents are to be investigated based on a discretionary assessment. Accidents and serious incidents, including near misses and other situations where coincidence prevents potentially extensive consequences may be subject to an investigation.

The parties involved are notified when an investigation is initiated. The NSIA decides the scope of the investigation and how it is to be conducted. Before a final report is issued, a draft report is sent to the parties involved so that they are informed of its content and may submit their comments. Read more about the process here.