Norway's satellite - AISSat-1 has started its mission

With a payload developed by Kongsberg Seatex AS, the AISSat-1 was successfully launched from India on July 12th. The satellite has already begun transmitting AIS messages from space to earth via Kongsberg Satellite Services' ground station at Svalbard.

The first AIS-data from the satellite. The yellow and orange symbols shows the new AIS-data that comes in addition to data from coastal AIS infrastructure. Click to view larger image

AISSat-1 is an experimental satellite, equipped with a payload developed by Kongsberg Seatex AS, that receives and forwards AIS messages from ships.

Using the technology in a fully developed system will improve safety at sea for vessels in Norwegian waters. It will make it easier to identify and coordinate vessels in search and rescue operations as well as assist and monitor the transport of dangerous goods and cargo in the high north.

The nano AIS satellite measuring 20 x 20 x 20 cm.

AISSat-1 is equipped with technology developed and built in cooperation between the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, Kongsberg Seatex, the Norwegian Coastal Administration and the Norwegian Space Centre. It is financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry. Kongsberg Satellite Services' ground station at Svalbard is used for communication. "The satellite is an example on how the long term focus on Norwegian expertise creates good, innovative high technology solutions, tailor made for Norwegian conditions," said Trond Giske, Minister of Trade and Industry at a press conference earlier this year.

AISSat-1 was launched from an Indian PSLV rocket from Sriharikota in India 12 July 03:52 UTC. The satellite is placed in a polar orbit with an altitude of approximately 635 kilometres. The satellite is of the nano type, and measures 20 x 20 x 20 cm. It weighs six kilograms and is shaped like a cube.

Automatic Identification System (AIS) is required to be carried on all seagoing vessels of 300 gross tons or more and all passenger vessels. Its purpose is to assist the ship navigational watch to avoid collision with other vessels as well as to allow maritime authorities to track and monitor ship movements through the use of land based AIS stations.

"Norway and KONGSBERG have been at the forefront with leading technology and solutions within this area of expertise. We are therefore very pleased to have the opportunity to provide the AIS payload for AISSat-1. The AISSat programme fits very well with our mission to provide the best solutions to our customers for safe navigation, positioning and operation in demanding offshore and maritime applications. The High North is such a demanding application area." says Gard Ueland, President of Kongsberg Seatex AS.

Land based AIS stations can in general receive VHF signals from ships at a distance of up to 40 nautical miles off the coast. Norway is operating a chain of 39 land based stations along its coast, and most coastal states are operating or deploying such chains. The AISSat technology has the capability of substantially expanding the effective range of ship AIS position monitoring.