Norway has a long tradition in the Sun-Earth connection field - much due to the innovative research done by Kristian Birkeland. Today we still leading the way in aurora research and solar physics. Furthermore, Norway has focussed on the use of space as a tool for the government. Monitoring the health and human activities in the arctic oceans can only be done effectively by using satellites. Today a large number of satellites, both US, Canadian and European, are observing the Arctic using different instruments. Norway is a major user of satellite data and also when it comes to acquiring the data via the Svalsat satellite stations at Svalbard. With our national small satellite program Norway has taken the lead in monitoring ships, illegal fishing, and oil spills in the High North. We are also pushing for better radio communication and broad band in the Arctic - which is lacking until very recently. The lecture will summarise the diverse Norwegian space activities.
