This added space capability will increase VDES’s range from the shoreline to anywhere in the ocean, turning what is a largely coastal system into a global maritime system. With up to 32 times more bandwidth than the widely used Automatic Identification System (AIS) communication, VDES can also be integrated with e-navigation systems, esystems to improve navigation, increase safety and enable savings of up to 25%.
The first satellite of the constellation is expected to be launched in 2022. After demonstrating its VDES capabilities, it will be used to deliver AIS data to ORBCOMM, supporting applications including search and rescue, environmental monitoring and maritime intelligence.