Ship movements to be tracked from space

A SATELLITE with equipment to identify U.S. ship movements from space has been launched in Russia.

The Orbcomm concept demonstration satellite is equipped with automatic identification system (AIS) capability to identify ship movements.

This satellite – launched from Kapustin Yar, Russia – attained a proper orbit and is expected to start transmitting operational data within the next few months.

The U.S. Coast Guard Nationwide Automatic Identification System (NAIS) Project sponsored equipment on the satellite to test the feasibility and effectiveness of AIS message reception and reporting from space for ship tracking and other navigational activities.