Space-Based AIS with a Norwegian Small-Satellite Constellation

Abstract

Over the past couple of decades, small satellites have evolved from demonstrators to operational assets to enable low-cost space access for government services and commercial service providers. The Norwegian AIS constellation is an example of how small satellites have revolutionized global ship traffic monitoring, and how a satellite program grows from a single payload on nanosatellites to multiple payloads exploring new science as well as new maritime services on microsatellites. This chapter discusses the Norwegian satellite missions, with an emphasis on the unique and innovative aspects that made spaced-based AIS extremely valuable and of long-term strategic importance to Norway.