The Contribution of Space Technologies to Arctic Policy Priorities

AIS Sat-1 and -2 Facts in Brief

Country: Norway Operations: Norwegian Defense Research Establishment (FFI) Status: AISSat-1 was launched on July 12. 2010. AISSat-2, to provide increased coverage and act as a backup to AISSat-1, should be ready for launch in early 2012. Mission Duration: Continuous Coverage: Global Orbit: Low earth orbit Key Service Areas: Maritime domain awareness, Surveillance and security, Data fusion with other sensors, Search and rescue, Logistical tracking and reporting, Energy and commodity management, Incident investigation, Counter- piracy applications, Environmental monitoring, and Area of operation compliance. Web link: http://www.nordicspace.net/PDF/NSA239.pdf The primary mission is to investigate the feasibility and performance of a spacecraft-based Automatic Identification System (AIS) sensor in low-Earth orbit as a means of tracking maritime assets, and the integration of space-based AIS data into a national maritime tracking information system. AISSat-1 is intended as both a research and development platform, and a demonstration mission for a larger operational capability. AISSat-1 concentrates operations on the Northern areas. The satellite transmits data 10 minutes every orbit and orbits are 90 minutes apart. The ground station located in Svalbard acquires data from AISSat-1 during all 15 daily passes over Norwegian ocean areas.

Mission Objectives

System Capabilities

AIS signals from vessels

Measured Parameters

AIS Sat-1 and -2 contribute to the environment and sovereignty and security policy priorities in the Arctic. The system provides crucial data and services for search and rescue operations, monitoring of environmental catastrophes and follow-up investigations, and to help protect the sovereignty of Canadian waters in the region.

Relevance to Arctic Interests

C.5.2 Planned Surveillance Satellite Systems Distress Alerting Satellite System (DASS) Facts in Brief Country: United States/Canada

Operations: National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Canadian Space Agency Status: Funds committed for development of a proof-of-concept (POC) system for DASS, which includes funding necessary to modify up to 30 instruments for deployment onboard GPS satellites, and the installation of a POC DASS ground station. Mission Duration: Continuous Coverage: Global Orbit: Medium earth orbit at an altitude of 20,200 km Key Service Areas: Distress alert detection and location; collection, sorting and storage of distress alert data; distribution of alert and location data Web link: http://searchandrescue.gsfc.nasa.gov/dass/index.html DASS is intended to enhance the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite-aided search and rescue (SAR) system by installing 406 MHz repeaters (transponders) on the GPS medium Earth orbit (MEO) navigational satellites and by introducing new ground segment tracking stations and processing algorithms. DASS is expected to provide near-instantaneous detection and location of 406 MHz emergency beacons. When operational, DASS will function as a secondary mission aboard Global Positioning System Block III (GPS III) satellites, and when fully deployed will consist of 24 to 27 payloads. The geometry is such that every point on the Earth will be visible by at least 4 satellites at all times. A Canadian DASS payload will allow Canada to extend its contribution to the future Cospas-Sarsat MEOSAR system. DASS is expected to significantly enhance current Cospas- Sarsat operations by providing near-instantaneous detection and location of 406 MHz emergency beacons Distress signals emitted by: EPIRBs (emergency position-indicating radio beacons), which signal maritime distress; ELTs (emergency locator transmitters), which signal aircraft distress; and PLBs (personal locator beacons), which indicate a person in distress who is away from normal emergency services (e.g., 9-1-1). DASS will contribute to the sovereignty and security and indigenous and social development policy priorities in the Arctic. The system will provide crucial data and services for search and rescue operations, to facilitate the saving of lives if emergency response can be expedited, or recovery of assets to aid in accident investigations in the worst case.

Mission Objectives

System Capabilities

Measured Parameters

Relevance to Arctic Interests

CONTRIBUTION OF SPACE TECHNOLOGIES TO ARCTIC POLICY PRIORITIES 98