Rolf Skår facts for kids

Rolf Skår (born May 13, 1941 – died May 24, 2023) was a smart Norwegian engineer and business leader. He helped start a computer company called Norsk Data in 1967. Later, he became the boss of the Norwegian Space Centre, helping Norway explore space. He was even honored with a special award for his work in computers and space.

Early Life and Education

Rolf Skår was born in a place called Karmøy, Norway, on May 13, 1941. His dad was a farmer and fisherman.

Studying Cybernetics

In 1966, Rolf finished his studies at the Norwegian Institute of Technology. He studied something called cybernetics. This is a field that looks at how systems control themselves, like robots or computer programs.

Learning Around the World

While he was a student, Rolf traveled a lot to learn more.

• In 1963, he worked in Switzerland for a company that made electrical products.
• The next year, he joined a special program at CERN. This is a huge science lab where he worked with digital technology.
• In 1965, he worked for NATO in Italy.
• He also worked on computer projects for the Norwegian military, helping to develop early computers.

Building Computers with Norsk Data

Rolf Skår was one of the people who started Norsk Data in 1967. This company built computers. He worked with Lars Monrad-Krohn and Per Bjørge.

Leading a Computer Company

Rolf became the chief executive officer (CEO) of Norsk Data in 1978 and stayed in that role until 1989. Before becoming CEO, he worked in different parts of the company. He helped create computer programs and also worked in sales.

During this time, Norsk Data became one of the biggest computer makers in Europe! They made powerful minicomputers.

The Nord-1 was Norsk Data's first minicomputer model.

However, new types of computers like Unix servers and PCs started to become popular. These new computers made it harder for Norsk Data to compete. Rolf left the company in 1989, and Norsk Data closed down a few years later.

Later Career and Space Exploration

After Norsk Data, Rolf Skår continued to work in important roles.

Leading Research and Consulting

From 1990 to 1992, he was the CEO of the Royal Norwegian Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. This group helps with science and industry in Norway. Then, from 1993 to 1997, he led a company called Norconsult. He also led the Norwegian Polytechnic Society for a few years.

Adventures in Space

One of Rolf's most exciting jobs was leading the Norwegian Space Centre. He was the CEO from 1998 to 2006. In this role, he helped with big projects like:

• Developing the Svalbard Satellite Station. This is a special place where they receive information from satellites.
• Bringing modern internet to Svalbard. He helped lay long fiber optic cables under the sea. These cables connect Svalbard to mainland Norway, making communication much faster.
• Representing Norway in the European Space Agency. This agency works on space missions with many European countries.

Awards and Recognition

Rolf Skår was recognized for his amazing work. He was a member of important science and engineering groups. In 2010, he received a special award called Knight, First Class of the Order of St. Olav. This was for his big contributions to information technology (computers) and space activities.

Personal Life

Rolf Skår married Aslaug Signy Nisi in 1965. She worked as a librarian and a preschool teacher. He passed away on May 24, 2023, when he was 82 years old.