The system works through a constellation of microsatellites which capture the signal sent from the automatic identification system (AIS) that ships must have. This signal is transmitted to earth stations, responsible for processing the data, which in turn is available to potential clients.
Although the goal of this new system is to avoid collisions between ships, it can also detect illegal movements on the sea and thus monitor drug trafficking and piracy. Further, it facilitates search and rescue operations for people, and environmental questions. The Canadian firm COM DEV is also working on the project.
By agreement of the International Maritime Organization, all ships over 300 tons, passenger ships and boats used for deep sea fishing must have the AIS system. In total, between 70,000 and 75,000 vessels can be watched.
Among Hisdesat’s possible clients are ministries of defense and the interior, and other private operators. The Spanish company expects to launch three or four satellites at the end of this year, and another six at the end of 2014. Further, it plans to build a data processing center, possibly in Madrid, that would complement the center it already has in Toronto (Canada).