Abstract
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) for maritime vessels introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is basically an anti collision system for vessels at sea. Vessels are broadcasting messages on two channels in the maritime VHF band on regular basis to neighboring vessels for collision avoidance, and to shore stations for vessel traffic services (VTS). AIS messages can also be received by a VHF receiver in space for wide area observation of maritime activity.Norway is about to build its first dedicated satellite (AISSat-1) for such space-based observation of AIThe justification for the mission is based on careful modeling of the global AIS detection probability, with particular emphasis on observation of Norwegian ocean areas in the High North (and High South).AISSat-1 is based on a dedicated low cost high-performance nano-satellite platform (just 20×20×20cm) with three-axis attitude control. The platform will be built by the Space Flight Laboratory at the University of Toronto (UTIAS/SFL), Canada. The AIS sensor is a software defined radio developed by Kongsberg Seatex (KSX), Trondheim Norway.This paper will in some detail discuss AIS detection probability modeling results, mission architecture, satellite, payload, and AIS data distribution on ground. It is believed that AISSat-1 currently is one of the most advanced nano-satellites being developed and is possibly the only nano-satellite dedicated to demonstrate a much needed and future oriented national maritime situational awareness service.
Presentation Slides
A Norwegian Satellite for Space-based Observations of AIS in the High North
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) for maritime vessels introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is basically an anti collision system for vessels at sea. Vessels are broadcasting messages on two channels in the maritime VHF band on regular basis to neighboring vessels for collision avoidance, and to shore stations for vessel traffic services (VTS). AIS messages can also be received by a VHF receiver in space for wide area observation of maritime activity.Norway is about to build its first dedicated satellite (AISSat-1) for such space-based observation of AIThe justification for the mission is based on careful modeling of the global AIS detection probability, with particular emphasis on observation of Norwegian ocean areas in the High North (and High South).AISSat-1 is based on a dedicated low cost high-performance nano-satellite platform (just 20×20×20cm) with three-axis attitude control. The platform will be built by the Space Flight Laboratory at the University of Toronto (UTIAS/SFL), Canada. The AIS sensor is a software defined radio developed by Kongsberg Seatex (KSX), Trondheim Norway.This paper will in some detail discuss AIS detection probability modeling results, mission architecture, satellite, payload, and AIS data distribution on ground. It is believed that AISSat-1 currently is one of the most advanced nano-satellites being developed and is possibly the only nano-satellite dedicated to demonstrate a much needed and future oriented national maritime situational awareness service.
