ORBCOMM Inc. today announced the successful launch of VesselSat1, an Automatic Identification Service (AIS) enabled satellite built by LuxSpace Sarl (LuxSpace), an affiliate of OHB System AG. VesselSat1 launched from the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) launch pad at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh near the Bay of the Bengal at 1:30 AM EDT. The satellite has been successfully separated from the PSLV launch vehicle in a proper equatorial orbit. ORBCOMM is the exclusive licensee for the AIS data collected by VesselSat1. AIS data is used for ship tracking and other maritime navigational and safety efforts. After successful completion of in-orbit testing and check-out, VesselSat1 will expand the coverage of ORBCOMM’s satellite AIS service in the equatorial region, where there is significant shipping activity and critical need for maritime surveillance. Read More
