Tag: satellites

Copernicus Maritime Surveillance Service, previously known as GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security), is the European Programme using sophisticated satellites for earth observation. Managed by EMSA, the service can be used to address a wide range of areas, such as piracy, marine environment, defence, and customs. 

NATO’s Science and Technology Organisation is partnering with Globalstar Europe Satellite Services (SGAT) for IoT System to monitor the oceans. The research focuses on the horizontal motion in the sea and on how surface properties are transported deeper into the water column.

Maritime industry will enhance safety and sustainability if it becomes more connected and better informed by data, Mr Matthew Galston, Cobham SATCOM argues, highlighting the importance of increased connectivity onboard. Among others, the quality of a ship’s connectivity impacts the wellness on board.

The first of its kind satellite was launched on December 3 into a sun-synchronous orbit as part of Spaceflight’s SSO- A SmallSat Express mission on-board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenburg Air Force Base, USA. The UK telecommunications satellite will enhance security and commercial shipping. 

Following the Mumbai terror attacks in 2011, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India banned the use of “Thuraya, Iridium and other such satellite phones” in Indian waters. However, crew members continue to be penalized by Indian authorities for violating the ban, according to data provided by Gard P&I Club.

The US Coast Guard Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Program, in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, launched two 6U CubeSats from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California on December 3. CubeSats aim to evaluate the effectiveness of space sensors to support Arctic search and rescue missions.

SpaceX will launch three satellites that will scan the world for radio signals of dark ships. The satellites belong to a startup called HawkEye 360 and aim to help monitor global activity in the oceans using geospatial information.

EMSA has secured four contracts for maritime surveillance services based on remotely piloted aircraft systems. These contracts aims to improve maritime surveillance capabilities to European agencies and member states.

UK presented the first images from a satellite which is able to see through clouds and image the Earth. SAR can see through clouds and image the Earth throughout the day. These images can be used to detect oil spills as well as suspicious shipping activity. They are also able to monitor deforestation.

Inmarsat is migrating the GMDSS Services, Inmarsat C and Fleet 77, from the Inmarsat-3 satellite constellation to the Inmarsat-4 satellite constellation. During the migration manual intervention on Inmarsat Ship Earth Stations may be necessary. After each phase of the migration the coverage area of these GMDSS services will change.