The world’s oceans are the lifelines of global trade and transport, yet they remain some of the least monitored and most challenging environments on Earth
To enhance maritime safety, security, and environmental protection, the Automatic Identification System (AIS) was originally developed as a ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication tool, enabling vessels to broadcast their identity, position, speed, and course. However, the system’s ground-based reach was limited to about 40 to 60 kilometres from the coast.
To overcome these coverage gaps, the European Space Agency (ESA) began developing the Satellite Automatic Identification System (SAT-AIS), which uses satellites to receive AIS signals from ships across the globe, including remote oceans and polar regions. Through several technology demonstration missions and partnerships, ESA has positioned Europe as a leader in space-based maritime surveillance and data services.
The SAT-AIS ambition
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) was mandated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for vessels above 300 gross tonnage and passenger ships, primarily for collision avoidance and traffic management. Each ship broadcasts short VHF radio messages containing its position, speed, heading, and unique Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) code.
While highly effective near coasts and busy sea lanes, terrestrial AIS are unable to track ships once they sail beyond range of coastal radio stations. To solve this, the concept of SAT-AIS emerged in the mid-2000s: by placing AIS receivers onboard satellites, ships’ transmissions can be picked up from orbit and relayed to ground stations.
ESA and its partners recognised that space-based AIS would be critical for maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and combating illegal activities such as unreported fishing or smuggling.
ESA’s work in AIS from orbit, and the launch of SAT-AIS
ESA’s first steps into SAT-AIS began in 2008, when the Agency, in cooperation with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Defence Agency (EDA), initiated studies to assess the feasibility of detecting AIS messages from orbit. The objectives were to demonstrate reliable AIS signal detection from low Earth orbit (LEO); develop European technological autonomy in maritime surveillance from space; provide near-real-time ship tracking data to European authorities and commercial users and establish partnerships with European industry to commercialise SAT-AIS services.
ESA’s role was to develop, fund, and coordinate technology demonstrations, while EMSA acted as the operational customer representing European maritime authorities.
In 2010, ESA and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) formally launched the SAT-AIS project, under the umbrella of the European Commission. The initiative’s goals were to develop a European SAT-AIS demonstration satellite system; establish industrial partnerships for future operational constellations and to integrate SAT-AIS with Europe’s broader maritime security architecture, including Copernicus, Galileo, and the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programme.
ESA funded the development of prototype AIS payloads and supported the launch of several experimental missions, including:
SAT-AIS’ integration into European space systems
ESA’s SAT-AIS programme is designed to integrate with other European space systems, creating a multi-layered maritime monitoring capability:
This integration enables “data fusion” – combining imagery, location, and AIS information – to generate a comprehensive picture of maritime activity. Such capabilities are essential for maritime border control and security, environmental monitoring (oil spills, illegal discharges), search and rescue operations and monitoring compliance with international maritime laws.
Commercialisation and industrial impact
ESA’s support for SAT-AIS has catalysed the emergence of a vibrant European commercial sector in maritime data services.
Companies such as LuxSpace, ExactEarth Europe, Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), and GMV have all benefited from ESA-funded technology developments. LuxSpace, for example, has evolved from a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) into a globally recognised provider of AIS data services, operating microsatellites and selling maritime intelligence products to both government and private clients.
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CONTACT
Michael Witting
ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC)
Keplerlaan 1
2201 AZ Noordwijk, The Netherlands
+31 625158619
Michael.Witting@esa.int
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Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES)
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