Andøya Space is speeding towards the finish line in the European space race and has reached an important milestone with the initial delivery of the first Launch Control System training module from GTD System and Software Engineering. The training module gives us the opportunity to begin the operational training of our team a year before the first launch, says Benny Lysfjord, Launch Director at Andøya Space. – The process of launching an orbital class rocket is complex and the launch team needs to be able to handle all sorts of contingencies. The simulation scenarios include a variety of failure modes such as trajectory deviation, loss of telemetry or radar data and more. GTD was awarded the contract for the Launch Control System in May 2020, out of a total of eight suppliers. Delivery of this first version of the training module is an important milestone in their contract with the new spaceport in Norway. The GTD team travelled to Andøya to complete the technical interfaces between the simulation tool and telemetry and radar equipment at Andøya Space. – The simulation tool will interface with other systems and this way the countdown team can practice alongside telemetry and radar operators as well, says Mr Lysfjord. GTD is currently working to introduce NewSpace-capabilities to Europe by constructing an orbital launch complex on Andøya, Norway in close cooperation with European industries. The first launch is expected to take place in 2022
