AIS Satellite Announcement

Created by sue. Last modified on 2008-09-18 09:53:27
Contributors:
Topic: Communications

ORBCOMM has successfully launched six AIS-equipped satellites (a Coast Guard Concept Demonstration satellite and five Quick Launch satellites) after the Cosmos 3M rocket carrying the company’s payload blasted off from Kapustin Yar, in Russia.

The satellites are equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology to receive and report transmissions from AIS-equipped maritime vessels from anywhere within the satellite coverage area, information which is expected to be of major interest to authorities interested in Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) in the marine domain.

ORBCOMM says it intends to market this AIS data to US and international coast guards and government agencies, as well as to companies whose businesses require ship tracking and other navigational activities. These satellites represent the first stage of a multi-year satellite upgrade plan, which ORBCOMM says now makes it the only satellite company providing worldwide commercial AIS data services.

To learn more about how AIS technology can benefit cruising sailors, read the new noonsite article on this subject here.