Against the background of growing geopolitical tension and growing illegal activity in the oceans, satellite technologies are becoming a key tool for global marine monitoring. According to a new report from Quilty Space, demand for space-based solutions to improve maritime situational awareness (Maritime Domain Awareness, space segment integrator) is growing rapidly.
From piracy to geopolitics
The report notes a significant increase in destabilizing events in the maritime sphere over the past five years, including Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the activation of China in the South China Sea, piracy in West Africa and climate challenges, such as the Panama Canal drought.
in addition, the need to control illegal fishing is increasing, especially in response to the actions of the Chinese distant fleets. With a limited budget for patrols, satellite technologies allow effective coverage of large sea areas.
The key problem is data latency
Even with the launch of new satellites, залишається проблема затримки надходження даних. Зазвичай користувачі очікують інформацію максимум через 30 minutes after shooting, however, in the absence of direct communication with a ground station, delays can reach two hours or more — after which the data loses operational value.
This is especially relevant for the detection of so-called "dark vessels" - those, that turn off transponders or change the route. They are often associated with smuggling, piracy or poaching.
Рішення — обробка даних на орбіті
Companies, як-от канадська MDA Space, implement signal processing directly in space. The new constellation Chorus, the launch of which is scheduled for 2026 year, will provide processing of radar data on board satellites, reducing the time from collection to delivery of analytics.
Multi-level surveillance
The standard AIS identification system loses reliability due to signal falsification. A new approach is “tip and cue” (detection and clarification): one sensor (example, radio frequency) fixes the anomaly, after which another - optical or radar - provides confirmation.
However, the integration of various sensors and satellite platforms remains technically complex and costly. The creation of extensive networks of ground stations is also expensive and geographically limited.
The United States is intensifying its commercial partnership
US National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (that) extended the pilot contract with Orbital Insight (now part of Privateer) regarding the monitoring of marine activity. The goal is to better understand the potential of commercial solutions in the field of unclassified intelligence.
The Ministry of Defense is also investing in SAR satellites. Company Umbra (California) received a STRATFI contract from the US Air Force to develop a new generation of radar satellites, which will provide a wide area of coverage and functions “tip-and-cue” for protection at sea.
Source: https://spacenews.com/satellites-take-frontline-role-in-maritime-security/