The AOS collaborative has announced successful two-way VDES communications through the Satellite Ymir-1. The satellite built and operated by AAC Clyde Space has transmitted and received VDES messages from across the globe. This communications milestone marks a pivotal movement towards "Connecting Everything Maritime" and strengthening the communication and navigation infrastructure within the maritime domain - providing for a safe, secure and green global communication network. Ymir-1 is part of the collaborative AOS project between AAC Clyde Space, Saab, and ORBCOMM.
Unlike its predecessor, satellite AIS (Automatic Identification System), satellite based VDES offers bidirectional communication. This means that vessels can not only receive information but also send data and messages to other ships and shore stations using VDES enabled satellites. VDES creates the ability to create a global maritime communication and navigation network enabling ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication everywhere on the globe, even in remote or offshore areas.
VDES offers significantly greater bandwidth compared to AIS, making it capable of handling larger volumes of data. This coupled with the enhanced real-time data exchange and cybersecurity represents a massive leap forward for situational awareness for ship operators and the support of safer navigation.
The flight proven AAC Clyde Space EPIC LINK CubeSat, Ymir-1, hosts Saab TransponderTech's advanced R6 VDES PAYLOAD transponder for two-way communication between satellite and ground. ORBCOMM will integrate data into its distribution centre for the maritime navigation and communications service deployment.
Comments